Whom shall I fear?

Psalm 27

When David wrote Psalm 27, he was hiding from King Saul. In this time of isolation, David’s worst fears – fear of circumstances (vv. 1-6), failure (vv. 7-10) and the future (vv. 11-14) played in his mind. Yet, as we read David’s thoughts, we don’t see a hint of fear; we see confidence in God’s promises instead. Why? David knew God had a special plan for him – the prophet Samuel had previously anointed him as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13).  His job now was to wait until the Lord needed him. David’s confidence in God’s provision and timing grew from his seeking to “dwell in the house of the Lord” (v. 4). He knew that God would personally protect and provide for him within the fortress of God’s house. That trust in God preserved his life and enabled him to “wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart” (v. 14) as he waited for God’s timing to accomplish His will for David’s life.

As Christians, we identify with David. We all have a calling from God to serve in his church.  It’s the time between our calling and the fulfillment of that calling when our fears of circumstances, failure and the future play in our minds if we don’t dwell in God’s house, where we are safe and provided for within His fortress.

In October 2012, I lost my job.  I knew God was calling me to a new career and new life in another place, but without an income, was very uncertain of the outcome.  The words of Psalm 27 and Jeremiah 29:11 came to mind and reassured me that God’s plan was good and would be perfected. I’m now established in a new career as an educator in another state, doing what God intended all along.  All I had to do was trust Him.

I chose to be like David.  What’s your choice?

Written by Donna Frye