Whose light do we want to shine on our path in this dark world? Let’s look at Psalm 27.
In dark times threatened by war and crime, who is the light that keeps us safe? Even if we die, where is ultimate salvation?
You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears. Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble. Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall. Armies may surround me, but I won't be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you. (Ps 27:1-3 CEV)
After a time in this dark world, do we see the assembly of faulty fellow sinners in church in a different light? Do we treasure it more?
One thing have I asked 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 gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. (Ps 27:4 ESV)
Do we see the assembly of the saints as the Psalmist did, a place to hide from the world, high on a rock above the fray? I know it sounds too boisterous for those of us raised in somber churches, but do we sing and shout with joy in the assembly?
For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord. (Ps 27:5-6 HCSB)
Is there a danger in family and church fellowship, that we might seek each other and not God? What if our own parents disowned us, where would we go?
Hear my voice, Lord, when I cry out! Be gracious to me and answer me. My mind recalls your word, “Seek my face,” so your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me; do not turn away in anger from your servant. You have been my help, therefore do not abandon or forsake me, God of my salvation. Though my father and my mother abandoned me, the Lord gathers me up. (Ps 27:7-10 ISV)
Whose way have we learned, in politics, in education, in business, in family life? Do we really want to learn a different way, God’s way?
Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had 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 thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Ps 27:11-14 KJV)
In what attitude should we draw near to God? Does God reward those who seek Him?
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Heb 11:6 LSB)
Whose light do we want to shine on our path in this dark world? You decide!
