Gay Christian Devotion
Psalm 27 (King James Version)
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; 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 enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Reflection
In Psalm 26, David pleads for God's protection. He almost sounds discouraged over his situation. Psalm 27 is a very different psalm. Through a large portion of this Psalm, David's faith in God is very clear. David notes that in God's light and with God's assistance he has nobody to fear or dread. Even in the face of evil people, slanderers, enemies and an army, the psalmist states he has no reason for fear or dread. Along with David, gay Christians can take refuse in God and can live without fear or dread, even when people slander gay people or blame natural disasters and calamities on gay people. And gay peope can ask for God's protection with confidence as they wait on God.
Possibly just as important as gay people walking through the straight world without fear or dread. Gay people do not have to fear or dread who they are. God can help gay people stop being afraid of being gay and can help gay people accept who they are.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; 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 enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Reflection
In Psalm 26, David pleads for God's protection. He almost sounds discouraged over his situation. Psalm 27 is a very different psalm. Through a large portion of this Psalm, David's faith in God is very clear. David notes that in God's light and with God's assistance he has nobody to fear or dread. Even in the face of evil people, slanderers, enemies and an army, the psalmist states he has no reason for fear or dread. Along with David, gay Christians can take refuse in God and can live without fear or dread, even when people slander gay people or blame natural disasters and calamities on gay people. And gay peope can ask for God's protection with confidence as they wait on God.
Possibly just as important as gay people walking through the straight world without fear or dread. Gay people do not have to fear or dread who they are. God can help gay people stop being afraid of being gay and can help gay people accept who they are.
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