Looking Fear & God in the Face

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?
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
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.
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.

Psalm 27: 1, 3, 5, 8-9

It’s amazing what a force fear is in our lives. Although intrinsic fear is based in self preservation, many things we fear are not life threatening. We are not running from many lions these days. We are more apt to run from our past, present or future. The fear of failure, rejection or embarrassment can send us to hide in our solitary caves. Where do we find freedom from fear? Or at least some respite? The writer of Psalm 27 has some ideas.

The poem’s 14 verses move from trusting in the Lord (v.1-6), to pleading to the Lord (v.7-12) and close full circle with trusting in the Lord (v.13-14). This model of faithful prayer comes in the midsts of enemies, armies, war and evildoers. Regardless of wether it is metaphorical imagery or literal, the danger is real. As the threat closes in, the author (attributed to David) draws closer to his God and longs to dwell in the Lord’s house forever.

The writer also commits to seek while imploring God for a mutual seeking in vv. 8-9. He passionately desires a restored relationship. Both human and divine are moving closer together; not in some abstract impersonal way but face to face. The psalmist is not calling for connection with a stranger, but one he knows as “ my helper” and “my savior”.

Let’s face it. Most of our fears are self centered. We are scared that we won’t get what we want or we will lose what we have. I don’t know if this psalm helps with those much. But to those recently diagnosed with a fatal disease or living in war or abuse, this psalm speaks. Those who’s life has been turned upside down by a devastating tragedy or those under emotional, mental or spiritual attack can, like the psalmist, find a friend here. This prayer in action is for those at the end of their rope. The psalmist shows us how hope and rescue are as real as the trouble. Look fear in the face and God in the face… and find help.