Sufficiency in Christ alone
I’m in the middle of a series on “rebellion” and for the sake of not being impulsive, I want to share with you some Scripture before publishing part 2.
Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
I recently came across this psalm from my sister’s post on biblical beauty, and what touched my heart was the first verse–which might be where Matt Redman borrowed some words for in the song “You Never Let Go“. Verses 7-10 are also very familiar words from some old church worship songs I know, so let us take a moment to meditate on these few words. Psalm 27:
The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation
Of David.
27:1 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?2 When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.4 One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.5 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 lift me high upon a rock.6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, “Seek my face.”
My heart says to you,
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
9 Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord will take me in.11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
