The Meaning of 27
Twenty-seven, generally speaking, is not a particularly exciting birthday to celebrate. I can already drive and vote and have alcoholic beverages, if I desire. It isn’t as major as turning 25 or even 30. In fact, in all respects, 27 seems to be a “filler” year — except this is already the best year I’ve ever had.
I have dreamed of going to Paris since I was 13 years old. This year, I went. And it was awesome (more posts on Paris soon to come!). I’ve been reading EBONY Magazine (and JET) since I was 6. This year, I started writing for them. (Check out my latest article on EBONY: “Soul Survivor: Leela James Pays Tribute to Etta James With New Album“!) I have dreamed of living in Manhattan since I was 15. In two weeks, I’m moving there. Twenty-seven, my friends, is no filler year.
It is no coincidence (ok, fine, it might just be a coincidence) that there are 27 books in the New Testament, Revelation being the twenty-seventh book. Obviously, God reveals His purpose for people’s lives much earlier and much later than 27, but for me, God has truly revealed my path to me this year — or at least the “what,” if not the “how,” the “where” and the “when.” For the first time in my adult life, I feel like I know what God wants me to do. And not only that, I am convinced He has divinely positioned and prepared me to achieve that purpose by connecting me with people and resources to get it done. And even though I can’t see the whole staircase in front of me, I can definitely see the pits behind me that He has already dug me out of, and that is enough for me to keep going, one step at a time.
In 2007, I made straight A’s in law school, made the Law Review, and began having an undiagnosed breakdown. In 2008, I was wallowing in heartache over the death of an inanimate and ultimately meaningless concept that I had personified. In 2010, I was staving off a quarter-life crisis. But through many dangers, toils and snares that I suffered or brought upon myself, GOD! It is so awesome to be able to look back and see how Christ was working behind the scenes in every situation, perfecting me for my good and His glory. When I think about where He’s brought me from and the person He is continuing to mold me into today, I don’t “step out on faith,” I JUMP! I’m all in. I’m sold-out. I’m bout that life, man. Wherever He wants to take me, whatever He wants me to do, let’s go there, let’s get it done. Twenty-seven! The year of Revelation, of completion, of checking stuff of the list, of getting stuff DONE. I am so ready!
And coincidence or not, Psalm 27 couldn’t be more perfect, more absolutely fitting for what I hope to achieve in Christ in this year He has mercifully granted to me to Chase God + Purpose. May it be my daily mantra:
Psalm 27
King James Version (KJV)
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?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lordall the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
wow what an awesome post! Congrats on all that you’re accomplishing! Psalms 27 is one of my favorite psalms and God’s so faithful, we really and truly just have to wait on Him!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Nika!! Reading Psalm 27 regularly is making a TRUE difference!!