The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Psalm 27:1
It has been my good fortune to have had many, many great believers counsel me throughout my life as a believer. So many of them have poured their wisdom into my life and enriched my walk with Christ. How grateful I am to all of them.
One in particular spoke to me at a very important time in my life. Joe has passed away, but his words still ring so true.
I had come under an attack by someone who was angry with me. This individual was spreading lies about me and two other elders in our church (NOT LPC), and it was very hurtful. My natural inclination when something like this happens is to fight back, to defend myself and the others being attacked. It was a hard period of time.
Fortunately, my dear friend Joe came to me and reminded me of Psalm 27:1, and asked me a simple question: “Do you think I believe these things he is saying about you Cameron?” Well, I was sure my friend did not believe what was being said. Joe pointed out that anyone who knew me well would know these were lies, and he said that as for those who don’t know me, I needed to leave it up to the Lord of my salvation to take care of those folks. He pointed out to me that if I dread this situation, and take up my own defense, I am forfeiting the peace and tranquility that Psalm 27:1 promises. He also pointed out that if I made my own defense then I was rejecting the gift outlined in this scripture. Joe was a very wise and kind man.
We may not be facing difficult struggles at all times, we may not need defending on a frequent basis, but we can be certain that at some point we will need defending. Maybe you’re feeling as if you’re under attack, personally or as a group, right now. I’d encourage you to listen to the wise words of my friend Joe: “Let the words of Psalm 27:1 comfort you, and let God take up your defense, and you go back to being obedient and grateful.”
Such is my prayer for myself, and for us all.