Psalm 16

Psalm 16 (NRSV)
1 Protect 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.”
3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
10 For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
[1]

Lord,
What a promise! “The path of life”, “fullness of joy”, and “pleasures forevermore”; these are the promises that you offer to all who will walk with you. Forgive us when we distort faith into a fear that your primary desire is to condemn and that your character is marked by a punitive righteousness.

Of course, you call us to follow Jesus and to live with character and integrity. But above all, you promise joy to all who live in you. Help me to receive the joy. Help us all to live the joy that you bring. Give us the indescribable joy that comes only in loving and being loved by you.

PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Be still for a moment and allow yourself to dwell in the love of God.
Tell God how much you love him and try to describe your your love for God.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989