Contemplative Bible Reading

Psalms 27:1-3 (New Living Translation)

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
I will remain confident.

This Psalm is attributed to David. David was acquainted with “evil people coming to devour” him, “enemies and foes attacking” him, and “mighty armies surrounding” him.

These are not metaphors for the slings and arrows of everyday middle class American life. These things are literal. David was a warrior—literally. He killed people in hand-to-hand combat. Thousands of men tried to kill him in hand-to-hand combat. Blood and guts and an R rated movie with all that. And the odor—I cannot imagine how bad it all smelled.

Yet, David writes, “why should I be afraid?” and “I will remain confident.” WHY SHOULD I BE AFRAID? Are you kidding?

And some days I feel defeated because someone else in the line at the grocery store is fumbling with their items and I have to wait a few minutes to pay for my fresh strawberries in January when it is 5° and sleeting outside. Are you kidding? What is wrong with me?

Fearless and confident. Come on. Let’s get real. I can do much better. Please God, help me in my unbelief.