Reflections on Psalm 16

You know I serve an awesome God and his word is always perfect. I was reading this morning and I love to read the psalms and today this one really spoke to me and I wanted to share it. It is Psalm 16 and in my Bible it was entitled, “You will not abandon my soul.”

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” Psalms 16:1-2 (ESV)

In a time of trouble and despair it is not easy to say this first verse. The questions overcome us and we fight with God about His will and our lack of understanding. Yet David reminds us that without God there is nothing good in our lives. He understands our anger and our pain he does not wish for us to hurt. Though hurting is what makes us human. David goes on to say.

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in who is all my delight.

Psalms 16:3 (ESV)

As much as I love my church family and rely on you for support in my life and struggles God is truly the only place I can find peace when life becomes more than I can bear. Prayers and a compassionate touch are how we can lift one another up in this world but there are some things only God is able to carry us through.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. 5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. Psalms 16:4-5 (ESV)

Today we each have a choice to make as we live our lives I was once addicted to alcohol pornography, and tobacco. I allowed each of these to set themselves up as a replacement for the one true God who knew me and called me to greater things but I was unable to bow to His will in my own life. Yet he was there for me.

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Psalms 16:6 (ESV)

It has amazed me as I have gone through old pictures this past week how truly blessed God has allowed me to be, even while I was fighting Him for control of my life. Even in the darkest hours and deepest pits I have found myself in I can see God’s hand directing me to this stage of my life. He has sustained me through war, mortar fire and car wrecks all of these in a time when I did not know Him. Why should I not trust Him now?

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalms 16:7-8 (ESV)

Today we have a choice and I assure you it comes with a cost who will you turn to. I wish like David I could tell you that my faith has never been shaken but that would be a lie.  

Something’s that occur in our world shake my faith to the core of my being. Yet it never changes the truth of who God is or how much He loves each and every one of us. You know we talk of Jesus sacrifice on the cross yet we forget the sacrifice God made in sending Him to die for us. We are not worthy of that kind of love yet He has provided it to us. As the rain falls on my roof I Pray you have a blessed day.