When the Darkness Comes
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life— whom should I dread?
-Psalm 27:1, CSB
“After conversion our God is our joy, comfort, guide, teacher, and in every sense our light. He is light within, light around, light reflected from us, and light to be revealed in us. Note, it is not said merely that the Lord gives light, but that he is light. Nor that he gives salvation, but that he is salvation. He, then, who by faith has laid hold upon God, has all covenant blessings in his possession.” – Charles H. Spurgeon
Psalm 27 has been a text of Scripture at a lot of funerals I’ve officiated over the years. In fact, next to Psalm 23, it might be the most read Psalm. I find that interesting. Psalm 23 is anchored in its first line, so too is Psalm 27. Psalm 23 is full of the care God extends to His own, Psalm 27 focuses more on the rescue God provides. Psalm 23 has less tension. Psalm 27’s enemies are more present and pernicious, at least by description. Psalm 23 has more of a resolved feeling in its close. Psalm 27 closes with faith but a faith that is still expectantly looking for rescue and light in a dark time. Overall, it is the brightness in the midst of dark times that attracts us. In no small part this is true because, we all face dark times. And while there is something to be said in giving full emotional expression to those hard times, it is good for us to have brighter songs to sing even in the dark. Psalm 27 is one excellent example of such a song.
Questions for discussion and application:
· What past moment of rescue gives you confidence in the current trouble you are facing? How will you remember that moment well?
· How will you stay deeply connected to God in the midst of the darkness and enemies you face?
· What helps you to ‘take courage’ as you wait for God to act?
Blog bonus:
There is a great modern worship song based on Psalm 27, The Lord is My Salvation . You can check out a nice recording of it here. Below are it’s lyrics.
Songwriters: Nathan Nockels / Jonas Myrin / Keith Getty / Kristyn Getty
The grace of God has reached for me
And pulled me from a raging sea
And I am safe on this solid ground
The Lord is my salvation
I will not fear when darkness falls
His strength will help me scale these walls
I'll see the dawn of the rising sun
The Lord is my salvation
Who is like the Lord, our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the victory won
The Lord is my salvation
My hope is hidden in the Lord
He flowers each promise of His Word
When winter fades, I know spring will come
The Lord is my salvation
In times of waiting, times of need
When I know loss, when I am weak
I know His grace will renew these days
The Lord is my salvation
Who is like the Lord, our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the victory won
The Lord is my salvation
And when I reach my final day
He will not leave me in the grave
But I will rise, He will call me home
The Lord is my salvation
Who is like the Lord, our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the victory won
The Lord is my salvation
Glory be to God the Father
Glory be to God the Son
Glory be to God the Spirit
The Lord is our salvation
Glory be to God the Father
Glory be to God the Son
Glory be to God the Spirit
The Lord is our salvation
Source: Musixmatch
The Lord Is My Salvation lyrics © Capitol Cmg Paragon, Son Of The Lion, Getty Music Publishing