I am loved and cherished by the God of the Universe

“When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” Psalm 27:10

The writer of Psalm 27, King David, is facing a difficult circumstance. Some Bible students think he wrote this when he was fleeing from his son, Absalom (cf. 2 Sam. 15:1-37; 17:15-29). Imagine having to run for your life to avoid being killed by your own rebellious adult child? This may have been David’s challenge when he wrote this Psalm.

Instead of choosing to respond with fear, David chose to respond with faith in the One who is the source of his hope (“light”), deliverance (“salvation”), and “strength” (27:1).Notice the personal pronoun “my” in this verse. The Lord was not just “a” source of hope and deliverance to David, He was HIS source of hope and deliverance. David’s relationship with God was personal and dynamic.

It’s possible David was not getting the help he needed at this time, even from those closest to him. But David’s trust was in the Lord to take care of him. “When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me” (27:10). The Hebrew word translated “take care of” (asaph) means “to gather or remove.” In this context it refers to gathering an individual into the company of another, in this case, the Lord. Even if his parents abandoned him, David was confident God still loved him and valued him.

If you grew up with parents or guardians who may have failed to love you and care for you as you needed, remember that their parents were imperfect as well. They were doing the best they could with what they possessed. But it is still important for you to face your wounds and recognize that even when others have failed you, God has not. God saw you as a child and He loved you then, and He sees you and loves you now. God wants to take care of you and bring healing to your soul.

Because God see us and values us as a person, we no longer need to work so hard for the approval and love of others. Since God keeps us safe and secure, we no longer need to try hard to protect ourselves. We can present out true selves to the Lord and to those who are safe.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that I am not alone and unloved. I am loved and cherished by the God of the universe. And although my parents may have failed to love and protect me as I needed as a child, You have never failed me. Because You always see me and value me as a person, I no longer need to work so hard to gain the approval and love of others. Nor do I need to work so hard to protect myself or hide my vulnerabilities because You will take care of me and meet my deepest needs to be seen, safe, soothed, and secure. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your unlimited love and care for me. In Your name. Amen.