The daily psalm for the latter part of this week is number 27 in the Psalter, with the title Triumphant Song of Confidence. The opening verse is one that I often used at the beginning of funeral and memorial services, along with the declaration from John 11, "I am the resurrection and the life."
The rhetorical questions are both related to fear, and if we're honest a lot of us have been running scared lately. I was awake at 3:45 the other morning considering the open declaration of economic war on Canada by a president I consider dangerous and evil. It's been said that the United States is our best friend, whether we like it or not. Well, under this regime America isn't our friend and I sure don't like it.
I notice that fear comes up again in the phrase "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear." That image of an army staged to attack is a powerful one because we can feel that our enemies are legion, especially in the wee hours of the morning. The bad guys always seem more numerous in the dark. So, I need a nightlight and maybe even a searchlight to find my way.
I noticed that the conclusion of this psalm is the basis for two choruses from the Taize Christian community and we sang/chanted them when I was there years ago. One is included in Voices United (22) and is a patient call for courage.
Let's hang in there with the Good Shepherd, shall we? Who's afraid of the Big Bad Donald!
When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
One thing I asked of the Lord; this I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off; do not forsake me,O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.
Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,and they are breathing out violence.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
No comments:
Post a Comment