Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

---

Read

Psalm 27 (NRSV)

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will take me up.

Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!

---

Reflect

What a glorious psalm of praise and declaration of faith! David certainly knew what it meant to be in a time of trouble, as it seems so much of his life was filled with trouble. Yet his heart was continually filled with praise to God. Instead of seeking vengeance against his enemies, David continually sought help from the Lord.

As we face times of trouble and temptation, our hearts should be focused on God and not on those around us. Too often we are more concerned about what others think about us than what God sees in our actions and in our hearts. We should work to please God. When our lives please God, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

I really like the advice with which David closed this psalm: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

---

Pray

Almighty God, as we go about the busyness of living, reassure us of your presence. Even when it seems like the world with all its evil desires is overwhelming us, help us to take courage and wait upon you. Keep us strengthened by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Go with God.