Psalm 16

Tonight, I read through three chapters in the book of Psalms. Not because chapters 14 and 15 weren't good, but because I just didn't find much "emotion" in them. It may well be that it's there, and I don't see (or feel) it. Regardless, I am going with chapter 16 tonight. Are you coming too?

Verse 1:
Keep me safe, O God,
for in You I take refuge.

Do you do this? I try to do this. But sometimes... sometimes, I want something more tangible. Something that takes less faith. In those times, I turn to other people. To ideas or concepts. To technology. Not that any of those things are wrong. I believe if it will help, go for it. It's just... that needs to be done while trusting God. While taking refuge in HIM. Because ultimately, He is our protector, our refuge. The only place, the only One, in whom we can truly take refuge.

Verse 2:
I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord;
apart from You I have no good thing."

Have you ever seen the verse that says every good and perfect thing is from God? I have. This verse invokes... gratitude. And utter and total dependence. With God... good things. Without God? No good things. Sure, there are things that aren't obviously attached to or dependent on or directly sent from God. But really, in light of knowing and walking with Him, everything pales and just doesn't seem so good anymore.

Verses 3&4:
As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those will increase
who run after other gods.
I will not pour out their libations of blood
or take up their names on my lips.

Verses 5 & 6:
Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup;
You have made my lot secure.
The boundry lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
Surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I relate to this. Not so much to the portion and cup part... but to the secure lot and the pleasant places. I look around me right now, and here is what I see. I see trees - our home is surrounded by trees. Big, old, healthy trees. Through the trees, I see clouds, lit up with the reds of sunset. I smell flowers and freshly mown grass. If I mute the music, I hear birds singing. No cars, no machines. It's peaceful here. Beautiful. Pleasant. Delightful, even.

Verse 7:
I will praise the Lord, Who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.

This one is interesting. God has never spoken audibly to me. But He has spoken to my heart in a voice so consuming that there would be no possible way to ignore it. He's counseled me in the dark of night, and in the bright glaring light of day. He has never left me to "figure it out myself." And I am so, so thankful. I praise Him for it.

And now, sleep is calling me. Stay tuned tomorrow night - I'll finish up, starting with verse 8.