Psalm 27 CJB “Adonai is my light and salvation; whom do I need to fear?
Adonai is the stronghold of my life; of whom should I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assailed me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and foes, they stumbled and fell. 3 If an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear; if war breaks out against me, even then I will keep trusting. 4 Just one thing have I asked of Adonai; only this will I seek: to live in the house of Adonai all the days of my life, to see the beauty of Adonai and visit in his temple. 5 For he will conceal me in his shelter on the day of trouble,
he will hide me in the folds of his tent, he will set me high on a rock. 6 Then my head will be lifted up above my surrounding foes, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, sing praises to Adonai. 7 Listen, Adonai, to my voice when I cry; show favor to me; and answer me. 8 “My heart said of you, ‘Seek my face.'” Your face, Adonai, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, don’t turn your servant away in anger. You are my help; don’t abandon me; don’t leave me, God my savior.
10 Even though my father and mother have left me, Adonai will care for me. 11 Teach me your way, Adonai; lead me on a level path because of my enemies — 12 don’t give me up to the whims of my foes; for false witnesses have risen against me, also those who are breathing violence. 13 If I hadn’t believed that I would see Adonai’s goodness in the land of the living, . . .14 Put your hope in Adonai, be strong, and let your heart take courage!Yes, put your hope in Adonai!”
Psalm 27 is read daily during the forty days of repentance in preparation for the High Holidays during the month of Tishrei. This is a time of self-reflection, repentance, and giving of charity.
As I sit here to write this post, my heart is heavy with news out of Israel. My prayers are with the families and all the people of Israel. May G-d comfort your hearts, and may he protect the IDF as they continue their mission.
Beginning Tuesday, I encourage each of us to take these special days to examine our hearts and draw near to God. On Wednesday, the first of Elul, if you have a shofar, blow it every day and allow the blast to awaken your spirit. If you do not have a shofar, I encourage you to listen to its sound on YouTube.
If you would like a guided journal to take you through this season, you can order Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s A Spiritual Guide to the High Holidays.
Please take advantage of this time of year when ‘the King is in the field’ (2 Chron. 19:4) and draw near to God through repentance, worship, and giving. Keep Israel in your prayers as devastating news continues to come out. Pray for victory in this war and unity among the people of Israel.
I will share more throughout this season on the blog and social media. I pray you experience a time of humility, cleansing, and refreshing in the presence of our great King.
Resources
The Book of Our Heritage, 3 Volume Set: Eliyahu Kitov
Preparing for the High Holidays in Tishrei
The Rosh Hashanah Anthology, The Yom Kippur Anthology, and The Sukkot and Simhat Torah Anthology
Casey D. Bell 
Leave a comment