One Thing I Know

I've been reading Ps 27 for the last few days. It just so happens that I only now understand this piece of writing. It is when I decided to get actively involved in the spiritual war that is raging all around me anyway, that the psalm became relatable. I have paraphrased it into a more reader-friendly language and want to share it with you, but with a disclaimer that it is merely an interpretation of God's word, much like a sermon or devotional. 

The reason why I find it so incredible is... Well read it first, and I will come back to my point. Feel free to follow the link above to NIV and read publicly approved translation (and correct me if you think I misunderstood).

Here is Psalm 27 (Latest Silvija's Version)

¹ The Lord guides me through life, 
but he saves me even when I mess up. 

There is no need to ever be afraid.

² Who ever tries to harm me, will fail.
³  In fact, I am so confident in God's help,
that even an attacking army doesn't scare me.

⁴ There is just one thought that scares me: 
not being close to God.
I always want to be on good terms with Him.
⁵ As for the rest, He has uncountable ways of saving and protecting me.

⁶ I know I'm safe from haters even when they are still alive and plotting.
I am so sure God will save me, 
that I'm already thanking him for making me the winner.

⁷ God, when I'm in trouble, hear me out.
⁸ When I feel like worshiping you, I do so readily.
⁹ So then be ready to help me, God, when I need your help, 
and hear my praise as well.
¹⁰ You love me more perfectly than my parents do,
so I know I can count on you.
¹¹ Help me understand your ways, Lord;
    guide me, because your way surely leads to safety.
¹² Don't let me waver and fall because of slander and lies, (God of truth).

¹³ One thing I know. 
I will live to tell of your goodness
from the victory stand.
¹⁴ God's timing is worth waiting for.  
Suck it up and be patient. 
He knows what He's doing.

This confidence comes from a man who knows what it means to have one's life in danger on regular basis.

Verse 13 is almost arrogant. It's like saying, 'Fine, we can fight, but you're already defeated.'
or
'No, I won't mention you in my speech when I get the Coolest General Award.'
or even
'Hey, I'm writing my speech to address my armies upon the triumphant return home. Of course, that means you will lose.'

David is not afraid of armies, liars, his own mistakes, or bad parents. He doesn't pray that God would take them away or change things. He faces the facts and is sure of victory. Now, he still goes out to fight, but what a difference it makes to fight with the knowledge of success. He does not worry about the threats.

Here is what he does pray for:
- that he would always be with God and be able to keep Him in sight (v.4)
- that God would hear his cry for help and his praise (v.7)
- that God would not reject him, but accept him (v.9)
- to learn more about walking with God  (v.11)


His only worry is that he would not be pleasing to his God. ...


But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

Mt 6:33

David understood this principle some 1000 years before it was written. He wasn't "in it" for the blessings. He was in it for God. 

I believe (I can't talk out of experience) that this kind of pure motivation is a good way to foster faith this strong. When you're really just seeking God in everything you do, then it's natural to say 'You can laugh, Goliath, but you're already dead!'
or
'I may have to run, but I am a king already.' 
or
'You can bring my friend down temporarily, Satan, but Jesus has already defeated you.'

 When I take this attitude into prayer, it changes everything. I feel much stronger resistance, but I also have more determination to fight in my prayers. Satan hates this kind of things, to be sure. And yet, he has already lost. Jesus has beaten him and all Satan has to blind us with are lies. But we have the God of truth, that's one thing I know.

Does the God you believe in love you ...regardless?
What lies has Satan been telling you? What is the truth?
Are you willing to fight for the truth and for other people?
When things get scary, what is the one thing that you know?

Silvija P., Düsseldorf