When We Can’t See Past the Chaos

06 Nov

When We Can’t See Past the Chaos

We live in disturbing and discouraging times, more so than at any other time in my life. Psalm 27 is one of my primary go-to passages when I can’t see past the chaos and need encouragement. It is a Psalm of David which breaks down into four parts:

MEDITATION ON REASONS FOR CONFIDENCE IN GOD

“The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to devour my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.”

THE CHOICE TO SEEK GOD NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS:

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell 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 in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.”

THE PRAYER REFLECTING TRUST IN GOD:

“Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also upon me and answer me. When you said, “Seek ye my face,” my heart said unto You, “Your face, LORD, will I seek.” Hide not Your face far from me. Put not Your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation (when my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up). Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of my enemies, for false witnesses are risen up against me.”

REMINDER TO WAIT ON THE LORD:

“I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD.” In Isaiah 43:1b-3 I find my answer from God to this prayer of David. Since Christ also redeemed us (Gal. 3:13-14) and called us each by our name (1 Cor. 8:3), I do not think it problematic to appropriate the reassurance of the promise cited in Isaiah 43 to New Testament Christianity: “Fear not for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”