A Modern 27th Psalm
Sunday, April 3, 1977, Palm Sunday, was the culmination of two years of Confirmation Class and several months of working on a paper on the meaning of Psalms 27:01.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? KJV
After I presented the paper and went through the Lutheran confirmation ritual, Psalms 27:01 was always with me. It became a mantra that helped me through the turmoil that is life. It brought me strength when I needed it the most. One day, I will recite it on my deathbed.
After reading the 27th Psalm in every translation from King James to The Message. Below are the first three verses of the 27th Psalm as translated in the Message by Eugene Peterson.
1. Light, space, zest —
that’s God!
So, with him on my side, I’m fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.
2. When vandal hordes ride down
ready to eat me alive,
Those bullies and toughs
fall flat on their faces.
3. When besieged,
I’m calm as a baby.
When all hell breaks loose,
I’m collected and cool. (MSG, 2002)
I gave my three younger children a copy of this translation. It is ideal for teenagers and young adults starting their journey. But it is not what I was looking for, I wanted a translation that put this Psalm in a modern context. Since I could not find it, I sat down with the King James Bible my parents gave me as a Confirmation gift and rephrased the 27th Psalm to reflect the modern world, at least from my point of view. This is not meant to replace the countless translations; it is just an attempt to put the Psalm in a modern context.
Psalm 27, in a modern context:
1. The Divine, bringer of light to a dark world. This light of love and goodness is my sanctuary; what should I fear? It is the foundation of my being; what then can taunt me?
2. When trials, like the unseen threats of the digital era, strive to invade me, or the shadow of despair threatens to envelop me, they will meet resilience and evaporate.
3. Even though I traverse the tumultuous terrain of the modern age, my heart will not falter; even as I grapple with the discord around me, I anchor myself in the fortress of my inner strength.
4. One aspiration I uphold, this alone I follow: to live in harmony with nature’s rhythm throughout my days, to marvel at the beauty of life’s intricate patterns, and to find wisdom in moments of tranquility.
5. For in the tempest of challenges, the inherent order of life shelters me. Within its boundless serenity, I find respite from the world’s chaos; it elevates me to a plateau of tranquility above the noise.
6. Now, I rise above the conflict that surrounds me. In the cathedral of life, I celebrate existence with a joyful melody; I vibrate in harmony with the symphony of being.
7. Hear my voice when I call, God, do not let my plea dissolve into the void. You are my guiding light, my beacon in the darkness.
8. My heart whispers for me to seek The Divine.
9. Do not recede from me in my hour of need, do not let your harmonious melody fade; you are my guide. Please do not forsake me, O Grand Architect of Life.
10. Even when society and friends waver, the Divine’s light will guide me.
11. Teach me your rhythm; guide me along the path of integrity amidst the turmoil.
12. Do not yield me to the whims of social media, for false narratives may rise against me, the mob breathing out malicious distortions.
13. I stand firm in this belief: I will behold the wonder of the Divine’s light and goodness in the realm of the living.
14. Align with the divine timing of life; find strength and courage within, and practice patience, for its plan is perfect, its promise eternal. Stand steadfast in the face of adversity, undeterred by external circumstances, embodying the true spirit of resilience.
