My Light and Salvation: Explanatory Notes on Psalm 27

Preparing for the Second Sunday in Lent: Three Days before Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

Psalm 27; Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18; Philippians 3:2-12

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Prayer

"Gracious God, as I practice self-denial during Lent, may I grow in humility and reliance on you. Help me to turn away from worldly distractions and focus on your presence and purpose. Amen. (crosswalk.com)

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Reflection

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?

When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord;
this I seek:
to live in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off; do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27).

Verse 1 / 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?

The Psalmist (David?) begins with a declaration of confidence in God. “Light” represents guidance, truth, and hope. “Salvation” signifies deliverance from enemies and danger. “Stronghold” (or “fortress”) highlights God’s protection. With such security in God, fear is unnecessary.