Scripture Reading: Psalm 16
Eight years ago, on August 2nd, I received a phone call that changed my perspective and illuminated a deeper understanding and appreciation of Psalm 16.
“Your paratrooper is safe,” said the voice on the phone. My husband was safe, which meant others were not.
I have been walking with Jesus since I was a small child. I always thought He was my everything. But that fateful August morning nearly eight years ago led to Psalm 16 jumping off the page and into my heart. Psalm 16 has remained one of my most beloved Psalms. Verse 2 is what I wrestled with the most: “I say to my LORD, you are my LORD; I have no good apart from you.” At the time of the phone call, I was a newlywed. If my husband didn’t return, would the Lord be enough for me? Would I confidently be able to live out Psalm 16, that there is truly no good thing apart from my Savior? Praise God, my paratrooper did return to me. And yet Psalm 16:2 continues to be a litmus test for my heart with struggles I’ve faced, and idols that creep into my life.
When we turn our weary to worship, we worship the One who always has our best good in mind. May you truly find rest in what Psalm 16:5 says, “The LORD who is my chosen portion and my cup.” Perhaps you are weary and heavily burdened. No matter where you are, or where you have been, I pray that the Lord will meet you and fill your cup as you retrieve your good portion from Him – our Living Water.
May you rest in “pleasant places” (Psalm 16:6) in community, in friendship, and most importantly in our Savior. Thanks be to God that we have a “beautiful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6) waiting for us. I pray you find refreshment as I have found in Psalm 16, and may your portion be filled with great joy. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
