Psalm 27 is titled “My Stronghold” in my Bible and its beginning is a roar.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold [strength] of my life—of whom should I be afraid?” [vs 1 HCSB]
It is attributed to David. I picture him standing on a mountain top shouting to the skies just Who God is. Then I see him looking down the mountain and asking himself – whom should I fear, whom should I be afraid of – and responding with a resounding “No one!”
Later on in the psalm we find that God is also our “shelter” and “cover,” and that he is our “helper” and will never leave nor abandon us. [vs 5, 9]
But it is that opening verse that captures our hearts with that one word translated “strength” in many translations and “stronghold” in others. The word in the original language means a place or means of safety and protection.
Everything around us is geared to generate fear. Politicians love to create fear, so we keep thinking we must depend upon them to overcome all the issues they keep highlighting. News broadcasters love to highlight fear, so we keep tuning in to see if there is any relief on the horizon. Big companies create fear. Stock market analysts create fear. Inflation creates fear. Recession creates fear. The world is one big fear-monger.
But God is our “stronghold” and when we trust Him, He is that place of safety and protection. What or whom should we fear? Nothing, No one.
Thank you, LORD. Today I focus on the stronghold you have provided for those who love You. Thank you for being our light, salvation, strength, shelter, cover and helper. Amen
