By Erica Hanchey
Psalm 27
In Psalm 27, David calls upon his experiences of strife, war, and fear in the face of his enemies. He expresses, through prayer and song, his heartfelt desire to worship, even in the midst of war, personal battles, and fear. It isn’t just David’s experience. It is the experience of many today who are battling in war, as refugees, as victims of assault, fear, personal and family struggle, and mental strife.
I envision the strength, light and salvation of the Lord as an armor or force field that moves with and within David. It is a rising spirit that deflects the assaults and speaks to David, saying “No fear.”
There is nothing to fear, for the Lord is our light, our salvation and our stronghold. No advance, no enemy, no threat breaks His shield. As long as we dwell in His house, in the presence of the Lord, fully present and calling upon Him in word, in song, in worship, in prayer, and in action, we take on the shield
“I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”
Instead of crying S-O-S, call upon S-L-S … Strength – Light – Salvation. Be immersed in the light and face of God rather than misled in the face of oppression, temptation, and selfish ways. Find patience and strength through faithfulness and through focused, praise-filled and prayerful worship. It is only when we are armed with the strength, light and salvation of the Lord that we are able to see His goodness that surrounds us, without the distractions and challenges to our faith that attempt to break us down. In this we may fulfill the purpose for which we are each uniquely created – to be His light on Earth and a shield for those whose fear and darkness crowd them.
As Jesus called upon the strength of his Father in the wilderness and in the final moments of his sacrifice, God reveals that there is no greater defense than a focused and spirit-filled discipline to worship and serve a higher calling. In this time of Lent, develop a heart for worship and summon your senses to experience the full beauty and loving armor of the Lord.