By Robert Brenneman, professor of criminal justice and sociology
Scripture: Psalm 27 (NRSV)
Fear. A most basic human emotion that creeps up in all of us at different moments of our lives. Fear that I am not safe; that my job is not secure; that I’m not capable; that I won’t make the cut. That my parents (or my children) don’t love me. Fear can be rational or irrational, but we’ve all experienced it and we’ve witnessed it in others. Fear can be dangerous too. I can harm others in a flagrant attempt to protect myself. A group of people gripped by fear is even more treacherous – countless wars have been launched on the basis of fear of the enemy. Abram, in today’s text, is afraid that his life won’t mean anything if he dies without a biological heir. God promises, “I am your shield” but it’s not enough for Abe. He wants to know that he will live on, so to speak, through his biological descendants. He wants proof.
The psalmist is in a very different place: “What do I have to be afraid of?” he says, since “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” Even in the midst of war, surrounded by enemies, the psalmist is fear-less. Why? Because for the psalmist, God’s protection comes not from vast hordes of loyal offspring but from God’s quiet presence. “One thing I ask of the Lord. . . to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple” (NRSV). It is a simple request: to be hidden in God’s shelter “in the day of trouble” and there to enjoy beauty. I am challenged and humbled by this contrast between “anxious Abe” and the peaceful calm of the psalmist. No wonder generations of Jewish and Christian readers have found reassurance and joy in this psalm. “Let your heart take courage!”
Scripture: Psalm 27 (NRSV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.
3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
4One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
6Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
7Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
8“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.
9Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
10If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.
11Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.
13I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!