The Lord Is My Light!

Psalms 27:1 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? 

As the shofar sounds each day of Elul, Psalm 27 is read according to Jewish tradition. This psalm is more than a reading — it is a cry, a declaration, a lifeline for the season of return. And it begins with this powerful statement: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”

Light is the first word David reaches for. In the darkness of confusion, in the shadows of uncertainty, in the face of his enemies, David anchors his hope in God as his light. Light means revelation in the midst of uncertainty, clarity when the way is clouded, and hope when despair presses in. Light is not just what God gives — it is who He is. “The LORD is my light.”

And because He is light, He is also our salvation. Not only does He show the way, but He rescues, delivers, and defends. David does not boast in his strength, his armies, or his strategies. His cry is singular: “The LORD is my salvation.” And because salvation rests in Him, fear has no ground. “Whom shall I fear? … Of whom shall I be afraid?”

This is why Psalm 27 is read during Elul. As the King walks in the field, His nearness drives away fear. Elul is not a season of dread but of confidence — not trembling before a distant monarch, but drawing near to a King who comes close with light, salvation, and strength. The shofar does not sound to terrify but to awaken courage, reminding us that God Himself is our stronghold.

Beloved, hear the cry of David and make it your own: “The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?” In the days of darkness, let His nearness be your courage. In the shadows of uncertainty, let His light be your guide. In the battles that surround you, let His salvation be your confidence. The King is in the field. The Bridegroom is near. Do not be afraid — lift up your voice, for the Lord is your light!