Collect: Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to
your good pleasure that is the name of your beloved Son we may
abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God,
for ever and ever, Amen
From the desk of Rev Maile: Confidence in the presence of God
The psalm for today is a psalm of David and he starts this psalm with the
assurance that the Lord is my light and my salvation. Fear is a terrible word
for so many people. I remember when I was a little boy, I feared darkness.
Where we lived, was so dark in the night, you hardly see anything. But as I
grew older, that fear, gradually went. I am sure everyone has experienced
fear at some stage in their life. Fear of rejection, fear of uncertainty, fear of
failure, fear of sickness, or even death. But here in this psalm, David had
the confidence to say that when God is our light and salvation – whom
shall I fear? Like they always say, “I am in good hands.” When we are
in God’s hand, we are assured safety and peace in mind.
We can conquer fear by trusting in the Lord who brings salvation. If we want
to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember this psalm – The Lord is my
Light and salvation. In reading Isaiah, we are also reminded that we were
living in darkness in our journey of life, but when Christ comes into our
lives, darkness is gone. (Isaiah 9:2) – “The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a
light has dawned.” In the Psalm, verse 4, – David’s greatest desire was to
live in God’s presence each day of his life. I do hope that this is our call as
well. As we continue our journey this new year, we are always reminded that
living in the presence of God will make us endure all circumstances of life.
True worship, according to David Owen, is looking upon God,
concentrating, our whole being – minds, eyes, ears, emotions and will –
upon his presence, thereby offering him our best and laying ourselves
open to his transforming grace. That is what the David was seeking.
Grace & Peace, Rev Maile