Psalm 27

¹¹Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

¹²Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

In yesterday’s Lenten Devotional, David was raised above his enemies showing that we too can be over both our self-made and external foes. No one wants to be defeated by unneeded hazards in their life of faith. With a lifted-up-by-the-Lord perspective, we are enabled to discern between real and self-created enemies. It also gives us a vantage point where we can now better observe the position and plans of our enemies and also seek a path of deliverance.

David’s enemies were after his physical life. He needed deliverance! Like David, our survival challenges include developing a victorious life that honors our Lord in the face of our enemies. How can we do this? David reveals this path. 

“Teach me your way,” David pleads to the Lord to teach His ways that lead to a level path. How can we be taught? The indwelling Spirit of God is our tutor to enlighten this level path, even in the midst of the darkness from our enemies. Clara Scott penned a now neglected hymn that echoes David’s plea:

Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

As we practice our spiritual disciplines of prayer, study of God’s word (not just reading a verse or two), active fellowship with brothers and sisters, and service to the Body and our community we place ourselves in a ‘High Place’ that allows us to say with David, 

¹³I believe that I shall look upon 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!

Author: Richard Lawson

Other Lenten readings for today:

• Genesis 14:17-24
• Philippians 3:17-20