My Constant Prayer pt. 1

Since we started the Race, I’ve been spending a lot of time reading Psalm 27, specifically in the Passion Translation. I’ve gone through it verse by verse in quiet of the morning and read it aloud over the city of Jaco at night. Here’s a little insight of my meditations of the psalm.

Psalm 27: Fearless Faith

David’s poetic praise to God before he was anointed king

Yahweh is my revelation-light and the source of my salvation. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run, for you, Yahweh, surround and protect me.

The psalm is starting with salvation. Running away from the Lord would be running away from the light; into darkness. Light reveals truth, wards off darkness, and shows the way. Where is my fear? God, will you show me how you’re the revelation-light in my life? Show me how this verse is true for me. How do you provide my salvation? How are you defending me every day? How can I stop fearing? Where am I turning and running from you? Make me more aware of how you surround and protect me.

When evil ones come to destroy me, they will be the ones who turn back.

They did not turn back this week. I was held captive and too overwhelmed to get out. God, you are my rescuer. Help me see this sooner. Train me with the weapons you’ve already given me so I can fight the battle and win.

My heart will not fear even if an army rises to attack. I will not be shaken, even if war is imminent.

“You’re experiencing spiritual attacks. Remember that I am with you. I have empowered you, strengthened you, emboldened you. You are mine. You carry my banner.”

Banner – a sign for others. To encourage, declare identity, lead the way.

How can I carry your banner today?

Here’s the one thing I crave from Yahweh, the one thing I seek above all else: I want the privilege of living with him every moment in his house, finding the sweet loveliness of his face, filled with awe, delighting in his glory and grace. I want to live my life so close to him that he takes pleasure in my every prayer.

What would a life like this be like? What would my relationship with God look like?

I have a lingering fear of what the world would think if I was “sold out” for God. What my friends and family would think, what I would have to give up. Even in Christian communities, it feels like there’s a limit to a surrendered life. There are places where the enemy has footholds and strongholds and either my friends don’t know about it or they’re okay with it. God, I don’t know what to ask, but I don’t want to fear others’ opinions or what would happen if I go against th group.

In his shelter in the day of trouble, that’s where you’ll find me, for he hides me there in his holiness. He has smuggled me into his secret place, where I’m kept safe and secure – out of reach from all my enemies. Triumphant now, I’ll bring him my offerings of praise, singing and shouting with ecstatic joy! Yes, listen and you can hear the fanfare of my shouts of praise to the Lord!

They try to get me, but you keep me safe. You protect me, so I will celebrate you.

Thank you for the gifts you’ve given me, and that you keep giving. You are so good and gracious.

Hear my cry. Show me your grace. Show me mercy, and send the help I need!

I want to spend time with you. I’m trying not to believe the lies from the devil trying to shame & condemn me. Even here, it’s not any easier to get rid of distractions. They’re just better at being disguised. Your heart is for family and intimacy.