Daily Devotionals

Voice of the Lord

Devotional: 15th of Elul

ADONAI is my light and salvation; whom do I need to fear? (Psalms 27:1)

Iwas visiting a local conservative synagogue with my family. At the break, I met some longtime friends, including my former chazzan (cantor, worship leader), who had recently moved to Israel. The chazzan was now working for an organization that promoted Orthodox Judaism among secular Israeli Jews. He was glad to see me ...until I told him I was a Messianic Jew. The rabbi motioned for everyone to be seated, but the chazzan, outraged at my confession, kept turning in his seat to accuse me of betraying my people. I tried answering his accusations, but he grew only more furious— and meanwhile, the service was starting. People seated in front of us were looking back. I felt very embarrassed. I also felt afraid. I had never encountered such hostility in a synagogue.

I didn't know what to do, so I silently prayed for the Lord's help. Just then, I heard the rabbi say, "Please turn to Psalms 27." The Scripture served as an anchor for my soul. As I repeated the words, along with the rest of the congregation, my embarrassment left and my fear disappeared. Strength filled my soul. After the service, the chazzan argued even more intensely with me for several hours. He pushed me, spat on me and insulted me in front of my family, but I was able to maintain peace in my heart and respond to him with gentleness and selfcontrol.

Are you ever afraid? The Word of God is a hammer that breaks fear into pieces.

...memorize Psalms 27:1-2 so that I will be able to recall it in times of fear.

DR