What's Wrong With Being Confident

Psalm 27 The Message

Light, space, zest—
    that’s God!
So, with him on my side I’m fearless,
    afraid of no one and nothing.
When vandal hordes ride down
    ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
    fall flat on their faces.
When besieged,
    I’m calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
    I’m collected and cool.
I’m asking God for one thing,
    only one thing:
To live with him in his house
    my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty;
    I’ll study at his feet.
That’s the only quiet, secure place
    in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
    far from the buzz of traffic.
God holds me head and shoulders
    above all who try to pull me down.
I’m headed for his place to offer anthems
    that will raise the roof!
Already I’m singing God-songs;
    I’m making music to God.
Listen, God, I’m calling at the top of my lungs:
    “Be good to me! Answer me!”
When my heart whispered, “Seek God,”
    my whole being replied,
“I’m seeking him!”
    Don’t hide from me now!
You’ve always been right there for me;
    don’t turn your back on me now.
Don’t throw me out, don’t abandon me;
    you’ve always kept the door open.
My father and mother walked out and left me,
    but God took me in.
Point me down your highway, God;
    direct me along a well-lighted street;
    show my enemies whose side you’re on.
Don’t throw me to the dogs,
    those liars who are out to get me,
    filling the air with their threats.
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
    in the exuberant earth.
Stay with God!
    Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
    Stay with God.

Reflection

     I admit it, I chose "The Message" translation because it made me smile. Yes, the paraphrasing is a bit more than I was expecting, but the word pictures are pretty good! Yes, it is very modernized, but as a daily life Psalm, it does really put a lot into perspective. I also like the way our fickle and emotional nature comes through. At one point, strutting along asking what is wrong with being confident. At another, pleading with self to pay attention to staying with God and not giving up. The reality is, we all need to remember that self-talk and the tapes that we replay from what others have said to us can have a massive impact on the reality that we think is all around us. Our faith does have a part to play in giving us a sense of calm and perspective. We need to remember who we are and whose we are.

Dear Lord,

I pray this day and in the days to come that you will give me more confidence to rest in your capabilities as my God and less in mine to get me through. Build me up to be bold in faith and humble in love toward others. In the Name of Christ Jesus, Amen.