October 9, 2017 – Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1.

These verses are a declaration of faith and victory over sin and the evils of sin that surround us. How do we know this is truth?  Recently I read Isaiah 43:1-4.  The fourth verse brought my life to a stop as I considered these words.  It contains the ultimate assurance of God’s Almighty Love.

Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.

How can this be? That you died for me?  There is no greater love than this, that Jesus should die for me!  What is honor?  It is love expressing itself through respect, admiration, and high regard.

What is the enemy of honor?  Betrayal.  How many times through cruel words and thoughtless actions have we harmed and hurt the heart of God are his created?  Each of us are created and loved by God.

This is our strength — that we are loved.  This is our confidence — that God honors us.  “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”  Luke 6:35.

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.  I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  Luke 18:15-18

Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Psalm 27:3.