ing God. We should have a concern that we might yield to temptation apart from the Holy Spirit. There is a fear of the results of pride in our lives. How this common sin so of ten rears its ugly and fateful head. All of these things are very real. They must be considered. God is the only One whom we can truly fear in the sense of reverential trust. He is the only One deserving such confidence. The Psalmist continues, “ The Lord is the strength of my life!" In what or in whom do you find your strength? Do you have a lot of money? Do you have a large num ber of friends? Is your health quite good? Do you count on things be ing the same tomorrow as they are today? Whether we are willing to face it or not, they certainly will not be. Do you realize that all this could change in a day? None of us are immune to personal change or even disaster. Are you trusting in anything or anyone other than the Lord who alone can give strength? David asked the question, "Of whom shall I be afraid?" There is one thing about this phrase which intrigues me. It is the word "shall." You know, fear usually concerns itself with something that is in the future. The worries which I con cern myself with are not things that took place yesterday, or even those things which are taking place right now. Most anxieties or forebod ings are really all in the future. David said, "O f whom shall I be afraid?" The Psalmist explains, "When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell." Reading this, you may think to yourself, "David must have had
many problems. I know there may be people who do not care for me, but as far as I know, I do not have any real enemies who would try to devour me." Remember that Scrip ture gives us the realization that as a Christian, knowing Jesus as our Saviour, we do have enemies who are very real! The Bible defines them as the world, the flesh and the devil. They must be reckoned with. As an example, Satan is de scribed as a roaring lion who goes back and forth seeking whom he may devour. David knew well his enticing powers. He had suc cumbed to them on earlier occa sions. These enemies, according to the Psalmist, stumbled and fell. The sweet singer of Israel had met all kinds of adversaries. It is true that Christians may stumble. The Bible teaches us that though a believer may trip, yet shall he not be utterly cast down. The wicked, on the other hand, completely fall. The Christian never does for he is kept by the power of God. Zephaniah 3:3 speaks of the lions, as well as the wolves, which leave nothing until morning. In Psalm 14:4 there is the account of how they delight to "eat up my people as they eat bread." If you are a born-again Christian, seeking to live for the Lord, make no mis take about it — the wicked will hate you! They have nothing but contempt for those who would live for God. Remember, though, that Cod has promised to be with us and "If Cod be for us, who can be against us?" This, too, was David's testimony and release from fear. In verse three of Psalm 27 we have a supposition. David assures himself, "Though a host should en camp against me, my heart shall
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