The Cry of a Heart // Psalm 27
Psalm 27,
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.
Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’ Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
In the chaotic mess of this world--the painful seasons of doubt and fear--when the storms rage and you seem alone--perhaps more than anything you crave a safe place. Some quiet refuge away from the chaos, pain, fear, and storms where you can let your guard down and truly rest.
When I think of a refuge in the storm, I picture a cozy cottage with a light flickering in the window; shining brightly as the storm rages with heavy darkness. Finding my way to the door soaked and tired, I open the door to a warm fire crackling in the corner. I nestle on the large chair by the fireplace, wrap myself up in a thick blanket, and hold a cup of hot cocoa as the drops of rain evaporate from my skin. It's a small place of safety in the middle of the wild and treacherous elements.
This place, but so much better, IS found in one place. In your storms and chaos, know you can find refuge and solace in one Person. Your Father--your mighty God--offers you a place of rest and peace in the darkest storms.
In verses 4-6, David describes such a place and it is with God and in His house. In His sanctuary, we find a place unlike any other. A place surrounded by brothers and sisters basking in His presence, worshipping and praising God.
David said there is one thing--just one thing if he only had one to ask--and it was to live in the House of the Lord all the days of His life. More than financial security, or health, or relationships, David wanted to always find his home in what we call church. He wanted to crave God's presence and Word more than anything in this world.
David knew that among the troubles here on Earth he could find safety in God's House. In your troubles today, you can run to God's House. There is something so powerful about being still in His presence, throwing your arms up in worship, and being around other believers that lifts the spirit.
Psalm 27 is a powerful one for anyone going through a difficult time and I do hope you'll read it in its entirety. But today I encourage you to find refuge in His House. You might wake up tired on Sunday morning, or don't feel like pretending everything is alright. But you don't have to pretend! Enter His House with authenticity and a willingness to connect with God. It would be pretty hard to leave time in the House the same as you walked in.
