Psalm 27

The worshiper of the Almighty looks for light in the darkest night and rejoices in the God of heaven. Though he must walk here below for a time, his affections are drawn above, and he knows that his citizenship is there where he longs to take his place in the house of the Lord in the land of the living.

God is his light, but He also is his salvation. In this mortal life he faces both darkness and danger. If he were to forget about the Lord and about heaven, every enemy might seem overwhelming. As he remembers what God has already done for him and what the Lord has promised to do in the future, he knows that he need not be afraid of anything.

God is his present stronghold. There are difficulties in his life. He has heard the Word that assures him that in this world he will have tribulation, but He has also heard the truth that the God who made the heavens and the earth has overcome the world. This is not to say that his difficulties are insignificant or inconsequential. Far from it! His enemies are like a tribe of cannibals. They are seeking his life, but because of the power of God, they are the ones who will ultimately stumble and fall.

Even if he had to be a solo warrior against an entire army, even if a nation should declare war against him alone, that will not change his confidence. His assessment of his prospects is not based on his own relative strength when compared with that of those who oppose him, but on the pleasure of God, who is on his side.

Where does this disposition of heavenly assurance come from? How can he have such peace in the midst of dangers that cripple others? It has to do with his deepest desires. If a man's most profound desires are for the temporary comforts of his present mortal existence, for his current prosperity, and for the well-being of those he loves, he can easily be held hostage by an enemy that can attempt to take these away through murder or theft. Just the possibility of violence against him and his family could ruin his confidence. But what if he has truly set his affections above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of the Father? What if He longs for the house of God in the heavens, beyond the reach of ruthless murderers and thieves? If God is fighting for such a man, who can defeat him? He is a free man, even if he is slave who has been bought and sold by oppressors. No one can separate him from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord will protect him in heaven and He will keep him on earth with that measure of prosperity and comfort that He has ordained for him during his brief time here below. He can thank God freely and enjoy every good gift that he receives each day. He can seek the peace of those all around him, and take advantage of today's opportunities for love and good deeds. No one can steal away his peace. God is his Protector now and forever.

This godliness in the desires of his heart allows this man to take delight in the Lord as He worships God. He will sing and make melody to the Lord, and live a life of faith and obedience regardless of his trials.

This does not mean that he has no need to cast his cares upon the Lord. He does not deny the pain of loss or ignore important opportunities for good that must not be squandered. He is engaged in the world where he lives, and receives every day of life as a gift to be used well. Because of this, he calls out to God with sincere prayer. He seeks God's face with heartfelt desire.

He does not take his communion with God for granted, but makes strong requests to the Lord, not only for God's specific aid in situations of trouble and opportunity, but more generally for the Lord's continuous presence in His life. If God turns away from him, he knows that he will not succeed. He knows that he needs God more than the comfort and support of his parents.

Every day of his life, the godly man needs to hear the voice of the Almighty speaking to him in His Word. He comes to that Word expecting to be taught. He knows that God disciplines those He loves, and he is eager to hear, to learn, and to obey. His struggles with his enemies are opportunities for careful listening to the Lord's words. If his life were easier would he be as desperate for God as he needs to be? But with men who breathe out violence against him who are so near, he has little margin for spiritual laziness. He must pay attention to the God who loves him, the God in whom his soul rejoices.

He watches, he waits, he listens, he considers, and he obeys. As he pays close attention to the Lord's Word, his own life in strengthened in the covenant faithfulness of God. He knows that he shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. This is a statement of faith. He intends to dwell in a realm of light and life forever. Earth is fading away, but Christ has secured for us a very reliable salvation.

We can wait for the Lord even today. We can be strong in Him. We need not allow our joy and courage to be stolen away from us by our enemies and by the painful and unhappy events that are part of the will of God for us at this moment.

Do you feel like you have been robbed of all joy? You can take your courage back. You can be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world. We are waiting for the One who died for us and rose again, the One who is with us now, the One to whom we speak in prayer, who is the One who speaks to us in His life-giving Word.