Psalm 27:1 says - "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?"
Who or what is greater than God?
It is imperative that you ask yourself that pertinent question.
In your life...in your circumstances...in the problems or difficulties facing your family, community, city, or nation right now - who or what is greater than God?
Of course, you would have to admit that there is absolutely no one or nothing in the entire world that is greater than Him - "The LORD is..."
Who or what is greater than God?
David considered this same question and, in doing so, came to the conclusion - "Whom shall I fear?" "Of whom shall I be afraid?"
In other words - "Who is then a cause of fear to me...Whom do I need to fear ... Why should I fear anyone ... So why should I be afraid ... I will fear no one ... I fear no one." Also, "Who is a danger to me ... Should I be frightened of anything ... Who is there to be afraid of ... Why should I tremble ... I will never be afraid ... I am afraid of no one."
When he asked - "Whom shall I fear?" - he was referring to the times when he would be deeply frightened by certain things that had happened or were happening. When he asked - "Of whom shall I be afraid?" - he was referring to the times when he would be suddenly startled or frightened.
David's focus was on God. And because it was, he saw that he really had no reason to fear. In fact, his fears diminished. His confidence grew. He considered and thought about who God was and what He would do in his life. Hence, he had no reason to fear.
David had a choice. He could focus on the problem or his enemies and be overcome with fear, or he could focus on God and His greatness and watch his fears disappear.
He experienced complete deliverance from all fear and a positive sense of security from all harm. It was founded on his confidence in God.
Who or what is greater than God?
This is a great question - one that is very relevant to consider in the hour in which we are living.
"Whom shall I fear?" "Of whom shall I be afraid?"
Even while living in an anxiety-laden society or in facing seemingly overwhelming opposition, David is saying to you as a believer - "There is no need to fear. You can have courage in life's storms. It is founded on your confidence in God."
In focusing on God, Psalm 27:1 lets us know that David concentrated on three particular Names of the Lord. These Names covered every troubling aspect of his life that would possibly incite fear in his heart - namely, darkness, danger, and deadly foes. These would be the sources from whence fear would come.
But, in each situation, he had a Name in which to place his trust and ensure peace and comfort to his heart.
The first name of the LORD was - "Light." David said - "The LORD is my light..." Please notice that he did not just say - "The LORD is light..." But, "The Lord is my light..."
"Darkness" in the Bible is oftentimes compared to troubling and fearful times - times of distress, perplexity, and sorrow - when you don't know which way to go or what to do. It is also used as a symbol for evil.
This profoundly beautiful Name of God - "Light" - described Him as David's counselor in his difficulties ...his comforter and deliverer in all his distresses...his hope in moments of discouragement...his source of light to lead and guide him through the "darkness" - showing him the hindrances, difficulties, enemies, and oppositions that he would have to encounter and how to overcome them. The powers of darkness could not overcome him. They could not hide in the dark and catch him by surprise - for "the LORD was his light."
Along with the "light," David said - "The LORD is my... salvation..." He needed not to fear anyone or anything for the LORD was his safeguard, shield, and defense. He would deliver him from earthly enemies and keep him safe from the greatest dangers - both physical and spiritual.
And, lastly, he said - "...the LORD is the strength of my life..." In other words, He is my support, rock, strong place, defense, and fortress. He keeps me alive - from fainting, sinking, and dying away. He protects me from danger- affords me security against all violence and keeps me from being slain.
Barnes' Notes said it in this way - "In itself, life is feeble, and is easily crushed out by trouble and sorrow; but as long as God is its strength, there is nothing to fear."So, what is the Holy Spirit saying to you through this message?
There are three sources of fear that you will face on a daily basis. They are - darkness, danger, and deadly foes.
From the start, you need to settle it in your heart - Who or what is greater than God?
Is darkness... danger...or any deadly foe - greater than God?
You know the answer to that question is a resounding - "No!"
Then, by the grace of God, like David, you need to confess - "Whom shall I fear?" "Of whom shall I be afraid?"
"Who is then a cause of fear to me? Who is a danger to me? So why should I be afraid? Why should I tremble?"
Your confession is not based on who you are, but on who God is - "my light"..."my salvation"..."the strength of my life."
Read what the Biblical Illustrator had to say on this - "It is not what we are, but what God is, that affords a solid ground of confidence in time of trouble."
With your focus on the Lord as your "light"... "salvation" ... and "strength" - you need never fear darkness, danger, or deadly foes - ever again.
The world is ruled by fear. But, as God's child, you don't have to be.
If you will allow the Holy Spirit to take this "word" and apply it to your heart and life - walk it out with you in your everyday circumstances - you will know complete deliverance from all fear as well as have a positive sense of security from all harm.
It's your confidence in God that will defy all future enemies.
The "pathway of power" that will raise you above all earthly fears is to know God as your "light," "salvation," and "strength."
There is no fortitude like faith. As you keep your focus on the LORD, your fears will diminish. That's a promise!
In closing, I leave you with this powerful illustration. May it reinforce God's truth to you -
"One tribe of native Americans had a unique practice for training young braves. On the night of a boy's thirteenth birthday, he was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night alone. Until then he had never been away from the security of his family and tribe. But on this night he was blindfolded and taken miles away. When he took off the blindfold, he was in the middle of thick woods. By himself. All night long. Every time a twig snapped, he probably visualized a wild animal ready to pounce. Every time an animal howled, he imagined a wolf leaping out of the darkness. Every time the wind blew, he wondered what more sinister sound it masked. No doubt it was a terrifying night for many.
After what seemed like an eternity, the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest. Looking around, the boy saw flowers, trees, and the outline of the path. Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a bow and arrow. It was the boy's father. He had been there all night long." (Leonard Sweet - Soul Salsa)
May God Bless His Word,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
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