If the Lord is, indeed, my light and my salvation (v.1), it means at least two things.
- I walk in the Light. That being the case, my appointed course should be plain enough for me to see, even when others scorn, ‘girl, why you ding that?’ or ‘you stupid!’ r ‘I can’t agree with you, bleeding heart. I think differently’.
- If the Lord is my salvation, then I am safe- safe from the consequences of sin- the guilt it incurs and the powerful hold that it claims on those whose refuge is not in this powerful Being.
But do I celebrate these promises enough, knowing that, should those who seek evil assail me, their destiny is described thus: “They shall stumble and fall” (v.2). Why do I sometimes feel like I am falling instead of them? I must admit that with all the wars being fought, and none it seems being won, I still have reason to be confident, (v.3)
Yes, I am asking the Lord for a life in God’s presence (v.4)- here and in the life to come. From life in these places I’ve been through, I know that staying with God is the best place to be.
Enemies or no enemies to have my head lifted over (v.6), songs of praise are life-giving. They keep me on track. They put a smile on my face, put a spring in my aging step, put more health into my sometimes-sick body. So, making melody to the Lord (v.6) is double-edged. It brings music to my own soul, and it plays melodies for others too.
So, Lord, please be gracious to me and answer me (v70. It’s all about grace. I have no right to your listening or to your responding
Yes, when my heart says seek your face (v.80 that will I do. Please don’t give up on me and leave me alone (v.9) for I’d be nothing without you.
That’s the only thing I’d be afraid of- life without you.