Continuing our psalms for funerals series, consider the 27th Psalm. Many psalms offer consolation and encouragement in the face of trouble and grief. This one offers wonderful imagery of God’s shelter in time of trouble, and seeing God’s goodness in the land of the living.
It recognizes that fathers and mothers pass away. Though our parents may “forsake” us by dying, God is eternal and will take care of us. It offers great encouragement for those who have lost heart after a loved one dies.
Psalm 27
God is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? God is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.
One thing I have desired of God, that I will seek: that I may dwell in God’s house all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Eternal, and to inquire in God’s temple.
For in the time of trouble God shall hide me in the Eternal’s pavilion; in the secret place of the holy tabernacle, God shall hide me; God shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in God’s tabernacle; I will sing, yes I will sing praises to the Eternal.
Hear, O God, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Adonai, I will seek.”
Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me , the God will take care of me.
Teach me Your way, O God, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Eternal in the land of the living.
Wait on the Eternal; be of good courage, and God shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Eternal!