Prophet’s
Reading Plan: Joel
Members of a Covenant:
Confidence in the Lord
Read Psalm 27
It is clear that when he wrote this psalm, David had
already learned how to trust God. It is the song of one who has full confidence
in his God. As members of a covenant, adopted into the family of God, we can
and should share in this confidence. The Lord is our light, our salvation and
our stronghold – these things evoke confidence and comfort. Lines in the song
seem to indicate that David is being slandered and pursued by his enemy even as
he writes, and yet there is no hint of depression in his lyrics. He can delight
in the beauty of God and, clinging to the promise God made regarding his
everlasting kingdom, he can proclaim in faith that he will see the goodness of
the Lord in his lifetime.
Overview
Verses 1-3: Confidence
in the Lord
Verses 4-6: Shelter
in God’s presence
Verses 7-12: Prayer
Verses 13-14:
Proclamation and encouragement of hope
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1) Read verse 1 again. It alone offers
readers much comfort. Now write your own adaptation of verse one, plugging in
your own descriptions of God. Think about what God has been to you and what He
has promised to be to you, whether through what you know of His character, or
through a direct word He gave you. Read your verse to God and thank Him for
being those things.
2) Though David had troubles, they were
not defining him at this time; he was not fixated on them. Sometimes we get too
caught up in our struggles or our weaknesses, causing us to be negative or have
a pity party. Identify some of your struggles today and how they are
distracting you from other things you have to do. Ask God that He would be Lord
over your problems. Make a list of 5-10 things that you are grateful for, and
thank God for each one.
3)
Verse 4 tells us where David’s focus
lies when he is in trouble. Ask God to speak to you about your focus for the
day out of this verse.
