I have the lectionary research. The Psalm reading for this week is Psalm 27:1, 4-9. Let me generate the Tuesday chapel devotion.

Opening Prayer

Dear Lord, you are our light. Help us see you today. Amen.

Scripture: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

One thing I ask from the LORD, this is what I seek: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tent and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me.

What This Means

Have you ever been afraid of the dark? Maybe you woke up at night and couldn’t see anything. Your room looked different. Strange shapes seemed to be everywhere. Then someone turned on a light—and suddenly you could see. The scary shapes were just your dresser, your stuffed animals, your pile of clothes.

David wrote this psalm, and he wasn’t afraid of the dark in his bedroom. He was afraid of real enemies—people who wanted to hurt him. But he knew something important: God is like a light that makes fear go away. When you know God is with you, the scary things don’t seem so big anymore.

David says there’s only one thing he really wants: to be with God. Not toys, not fame, not even safety from his enemies—just to be near God. That’s a strange thing to want most, isn’t it? But David knew that if you have God, you have everything you need.

Here’s something honest about this psalm: David starts out brave—“Whom shall I fear?”—but then he gets scared and starts begging God not to hide from him. That’s okay. That’s how faith works. Sometimes we feel brave. Sometimes we feel afraid. We can tell God both things. He doesn’t want us to pretend.

Let’s Talk About It

Eberley: David says the Lord is his “light,” “salvation,” and “stronghold.” Those are three different pictures of God. What does each one tell us about who God is and what he does for us?

David asks for “one thing.” What do you think you would ask for if you could only ask God for one thing? Why do you think David chose what he chose?

Sonja: What was David afraid of in this psalm? What did he do when he was afraid?

When you’re scared, what helps you feel better? How is God like that?

Dahlia & Freddy: What makes the dark not scary anymore? (A light!)

Is God like a nightlight or like the sun? (He’s even brighter!)

Remember This

When we are afraid, God is our light—and light always chases the dark away.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are our light. When we feel afraid, remind us that you are with us. When we feel brave, help us remember that our courage comes from you. We want to be near you more than anything else. Amen.

Memory Verse

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” — Psalm 27:1