“Wait for the Lord” - Psalm 27 (Day 5)

Over the past week, we’ve reflected on the words of King David found in Psalm 27. As we’ve walked through this passage together, we saw the ups and downs of David’s faith journey -  confidence and contemplation along with struggle and pleas for guidance. David ends Psalm 27 with an encouraging rallying cry that he speaks over not only himself, but to you, me, and his readers - “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”  Today’s devotional will be a bit different in its format and flow, and this switch is done with intentionality. Rather than internalize the words of this beloved psalm, we want to leverage them to display others-focused love and care. First we will read Psalm 27 together. Then we’ll spend our time contending for and praying over a friend or family member who finds themselves in a waiting period, facing struggles, or encountering adversity. 

Psalm 27 says this:

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 the wicked advance against me to devour me, 

it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; 

though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: 

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; 

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; 

at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. 

Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.

Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Before we begin, take a moment to picture the person God has placed on your heart and consider the challenging circumstances they face.

Don’t rush through this experience, but be intentional. Hit pause after each section to pray for this individual, either by writing your prayers out in a journal, saying them out loud, or reflecting on them in your head. 

Isaiah 40:30-31

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Pray for renewed strength in those times when they grow weary and worn out. Pray they would display patient endurance and that they would press on through the difficulties, discouragements, and detours. 

Micah 7:7

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,  I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Pray that they would continue to keep their focus on God. If  they don’t know God, pray that God would use this experience to show He is present, faithful, and compassionate to them. 

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Pray that this individual will experience peace amid these troubling times. Pray they would trust that regardless of what they face that they stand victorious because Christ’s victory is their victory. 

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Pray that the circumstances they’re facing serve a greater purpose and that by remaining steadfast, God would sharpen their character, transform their heart, grow their faith, and deepen their dependence on God.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Now, pray for yourself and how you can be a source of encouragement and support  to your friend or family member. Pray that you would reflect Christ’s love, compassion, and care through your presence.