The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

Psalm 27:1

Sonnet for Psalm 27

Light travels centuries from distant stars
To guide those below through their weary nights,
To enlighten all earth-bound travelers,
Joined through time under this celestial light.
“The Lord is my light” – long-traveled words, too,
David’s trust-thrown pebble rippling still,
Offering guidance to all faithful who
Still search for direction from the Lord’s will.
David’s message of light and salvation
Brings comfort and strength to all those who fear,
An anchor of hope, a sure foundation,
His words still shine brightly on all who hear.
But the star and the word that shines most clear?
The Son of David, whose name we hold dear.

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It is always astonishing to me to think of all the ways that the ancient words of scripture continue to speak to me and to our world. A centuries-old prayer of David’s becomes just the words that I need to hear today: “The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?” These words have taken many centuries to reach me, just like the light from distant stars – in each case, bringing me light, but in only one case also bringing me salvation.

Here, then, is a passage from Psalm 27, followed by another other scripture passage I had in mind when I wrote the sonnet, along with the sonnet again, followed by a closing prayer:

Psalm 27:1-5

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?
When evildoers assail me
    to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
    they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
    my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
    yet I will be confident.
One 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.
For 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.

Scripture Reading

Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Sonnet for Psalm 27

Light travels centuries from distant stars
To guide those below through their weary nights,
To enlighten all earth-bound travelers,
Joined through time under this celestial light.
“The Lord is my light” – long-traveled words, too,
David’s trust-thrown pebble rippling still,
Offering guidance to all faithful who
Still search for direction from the Lord’s will.
David’s message of light and salvation
Brings comfort and strength to all those who fear,
An anchor of hope, a sure foundation,
His words still shine brightly on all who hear.
But the star and the word that shines most clear?
The Son of David, whose name we hold dear.

Closing Prayer

O Lord, we give you thanks for the light that shines in the darkness, especially for the light of your son, Jesus. With him lighting our way and leading us, what have we to fear? Help us, Lord, to reflect this light in our own lives, that others may be drawn to your light and salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen