Lectionary readings for today:
Morning: Ps. 5; 147:1-11
Evening: Ps. 27; 51
Psalm 27
A Prayer of Praise
David begins Psalm 27 with praising the Lord’s protection
from his enemies, protection during times of trails, and for teaching him to
have faith in the Lord’s strength. It is easy to trust the Lord during the
good times in life. It is the bad times when our prayers are put to work.
Our faith is tested and we trust that the Lord will hear and answer our
prayers. Growing faith and trust can be difficult. I have read that, when
the first cable of the suspension -bridge that now spans the Niagara was
about to be laid, a thin thread was attached to a kite and both sent, on a
favoring wind, to the other side of the river. By means of that thread, a
heavier string was pulled across, and by it a heavier one still, and then a
rope, and then a tow; and then the cable, and the other parts of the mighty
bridge that enables the people to pass in safety; from one side to the
other; over the roaring cataract beneath. Let but those who doubt or
disbelieve fasten the tiny thread of faith that still lingers in them to the
spiritual side of life; and gradually it will become stronger and stronger
until it will grow into a mighty bridge that will carry them safely, over
the seething and hissing abyss of doubts and perplexities, unto the yonder
peaceful shore.
David completes Psalm 27 with verse 14:
Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.
There is a hymn that talks of us Living by Faith and is one of my favorites,
especially the verse that states:
I know that He safely will carry me through, No matter what
evil besides; why should I then care, tho’ the tempest may blow, If Jesus
walks close by my side.
Dear Lord,
Help me to live daily my faith trusting in Your great love to keep me from
all harm in Your sheltering arms.
——
Alice Gilreath
Northminster Presbyterian Church 