Psalm 27:1 says, “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?”  

Fear is a natural reaction to danger and uncertain times. Do we run to God? God is not a good-luck charm we pull out when we get into a scary situation in life. In this Psalm, David does not give us a formula for overcoming fear but a pattern of life comprised of a faith that consistently clings to God. In the darkness of this life the LORD is my light and salvation. When trials arise the LORD is an impenetrable fortress. David wants us to be drawn to the Lord. Seeing this fulfilled in Jesus, we find the light and salvation of which David speaks. If we focus on him we have no need to fear. We overcome our fears to the extent that we focus on the Lord and savor the indescribable beauty of his character (27:4). As Jonathan Edwards put it, “sweet contemplations of my great and glorious God,” after having had his fears alleviated. 

When fear comes calling remember the helpful advice of H. C. G. Moule, “There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot, from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at the creation. He did it at the cross. He is doing it today.”

Prayer: Father, may we see, like never before, the emptiness of this world in order to be acquainted with the incredible beauty of your character. May we find the life-giving light and salvation found in Jesus as we journey through today’s darkness. With David, may we find in you our impenetrable fortress, our place of calm, where fear cannot flourish. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray. Amen.