Psalm 27

“Keeping the Faith”

Look at all the circumstances through which the psalmist claims faithfulness to God!  Assailants, flesh-devourers, adversaries, foes, armies, war, troubles, enemies, even being forsaken by family!  This and so many other biblical texts make me wonder: Where in the world do people get the idea that peace and prosperity in our personal lives are (the only) signs of God’s presence and blessing?  How can we recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate God’s presence when things look awful?  How can we, through the power of the Spirit, be a part of God’s presence in the lives of others when enemies and troubles are at their doors?