Quieting Down

Sometimes we just need to take some quiet time to calm down, relax, and reflect on God's goodness.

The Scripture

Psalm 27
New American Standard translation

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

Photo of a flower

Reflection by Deborah Beach Giordano

Psalm 27, reinterpreted

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
so who can frighten me?

The Lord is the defender of my life;
so who can scare me?

Evildoers, that’s who.

Those who seek to destroy me, my adversaries and my enemies, intimidate and alarm me; I am tempted to turn and run away. Yet I must be strong, surrender is not an option: goodness — my own and that of others — must prevail.

Though a whole army assemble outside my door, my heart will not tremble; though war be declared against me, in spite of all this, I will remain confident, courageous, fearless.

One thing I ask of the Lord, one thing above all others, the one thing that is truly important: that I may live in the Presence of the Lord; that I may recognize that Presence: that I may behold the beauty of the Lord, and meditate on the divine majesty all around me, and be at peace.

In troubling times, I shall be safe; protected from terrors, I will be hidden: hidden in plain sight, hidden in the midst of God’s glory.

I will be strong and courageous and fearless, and I will hold my head high; and my enemies will slink away, shamed and defeated. And I will sing with joy; I will sing God’s praises. I will shout — yes, I will shout out loud with delight; for I will see God, I will be in God’s Presence everywhere: in all times and all places.

Lord, hear my cries when friends and family forsake me, when my heart trembles, when my courage fails, when my faith grows weak. Let me remember Your love, Your loyalty, Your strength; remind me to seek You — in my heart, in my soul, in my world.

Don’t let my fears hold me captive, do not let my enemies poison the fount of my hope, O God of my salvation, for they are liars and cheats, deceivers and destroyers; there is no health in them. Lead me in paths of righteousness, O Gracious, Loving One.

I would have despaired unless I believed that I would see the strength and beauty of the Lord in the land of the living. Give me eyes to see You, O my fortress and defender, O Eternal Light, protect and shelter me.

O my soul, be patient: be hopeful, strong and courageous. And do not be afraid. Patiently wait and watch for signs of God in all times and in all places — like those who watch for the morning… like those who watch for the morning.

Amen.

May the Radiant Light shine in your heart and illuminate your soul,

Deborah  ✟

Suggested Spiritual Exercise

Look for the Lord: seek signs of divine beauty and goodness in all times and all places. Be hopeful, be strong and courageous, and do not be afraid.