Psalm 27 begins: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”  These words have been words of encouragement to people for centuries and remind us that our God is in the middle of whatever we may go through.

Interestingly, as this Psalm progresses, it seems that David says brave words – but seems very strongly aware and fixed on the danger of his enemies.  His thoughts seem to toggle back and forth between good reasons to be afraid and his confidence in the Lord.

What comes to your mind when you read David’s words about his enemies and the danger he is in? Our minds think of our situations and conjour up thoughts, worries, reminders of tense relationships, and even inner struggles.  For David  the enemies and the dangers were real, honest-to-goodness war-time physical danger!  Our enemies may or may not be less real albeit that they often do not pose the physical danger of death.

You know what?  Maybe David is sharing an honest human moment with us:  while his words say he isn’t scared – maybe his emotions say that he is terrified.  Maybe he is doing what we should do more often: speak from our faith, not our circumstances or emotion.  David is not IGNORING his problem – he seems to be keenly aware.  He is not in denial about his situation…but past all the “feelings” of fear he voices a trust and confidence that God has his back… and not just “someday” out there – but before his death.

See these closing words: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lordin the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Be honest with God about your fears, your enemies, the things that endanger what is best for you – and trust confidently that He has your best at heart.