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I am STILL confident of this...

I first posted a version of this back in November 2010, when I was in a deep dark place. Thankfully I am in a much better place today. But part of that is because the God of whom this Psalm speaks is the same on dark and difficult days as well as the bright sun-shiny ones. This coming Sunday we will be using a shorter responsive version of this Psalm, but I thought this version was worth posting today...




The LORD is my light and my salvation:
What have I got to fear?
The LORD is the fortress for my life:
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When wicked men and women bear down on me like beasts
longing to eat me alive,
they fall flat on their faces;
My enemies stumble and tumble.
Though I am besieged on all sides,
My heart will not falter or fear.
Though world war three breaks out around me,
even then will I be cool, calm and collected.

One thing I ask from the LORD,
this is what I’m looking for:
that I may live in the presence of the LORD all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the glory of the LORD and to serve him in his holy place.
For when times are tough he’ll keep me safe behind his ramparts
He’ll lift me up beyond the reach of those who would pull me down
He’ll hide me in the folds of his tent,
high on the rock of his faithfulness.

Then I will worship with songs of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Listen LORD, I’m calling at the top of my lungs
Be merciful LORD, and answer me.
My heart said to me, "Seek God’s face!"
So I sought you out, O LORD.
Don’t hide your face from me now.
Don’t turn me away or forsake me,
For you have always been my helper.

So don’t reject me, O God my Saviour.
Even when my father and mother turned their backs on me,
Your arms were ready to receive me.
Point me in the right direction, O LORD;
lead me along paths where I’ll feel safe from ambush.
Don’t deliver me into the hands of my enemies,
For they will say or do anything to bring me harm.

Despite all that’s going on around me, I am still confident of this:
I will see God’s goodness bear fruit this side of the grave.
Wait for the LORD;
take heart, hold on and wait for the LORD.

from Psalm 27
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