David wrote: “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” (Psalm 27.1)? The Psalmist speaks of “the LORD” – Jehovah, the great “I AM;” He is eternal, sovereign, existent in Himself alone; He is dependent on none other; He is Creator and sustains all things by His mighty power; He is majestic, glorious, Almighty; He is holy; He is good and provides for our every need; He is the righteous judge who always rules in absolute righteousness. The LORD is our “light” – He illuminates the reality of life and reveals to us truth; through His Word He shows us the path we should take to keep from stumbling through the darkness of life; He reveals to us sin and the misery of its consequences; and illuminates the hope of the Gospel as He ever leads us in righteousness, for our good and for His glory. He is our “salvation” – delivering us from the bondage of sin and our soul’s enemy; rescuing us from eternal judgment; forgiving us of all sin; redeeming us and cleansing us through the shed blood of Jesus Christ; giving us hope for today and eternally. The LORD is our “stronghold” – our place of safe harbor, our refuge; in Him we are protected from all harm; in Him we have all we need; though the world is in turmoil and events are seemingly unexplainable, in Him we are able to rest, knowing He will ever keep us as His own. The LORD keeps us from “all fear” – for He is greater than all evil opposition and will never let the believer be snatched from the Father’s gracious hand (John 10.28); He has secured the final outcome of life for the believer to be eternally in His glory. Though we may face intense battles in this life and though there may be grave, new uncertainties, we have no need for fear. Our LORD is Sovereign, always, and He will accomplish His good purpose.
The Psalmist concludes: be strong (in the Lord), and let your heart take courage (be encouraged; no fear); wait for the LORD” (27.14).
Having strength and confidence in the LORD – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry Burlingame
My Morning Desk 