Lent Day 13

by Elise Palm

Psalm 16

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

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

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.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
    you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
    in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
    my flesh also dwells secure.
 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
    or let your holy one see corruption.[f]

 You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

When I am overcome with fear and confusion, I read Psalm 16. There are the promises from God that help me stand strong in the face of darkness. The Lord is my Refuge, my Chosen Portion, my Cup, my Counselor.

When my soul and body feel shaken to the core, I set the Lord before me and know that I will never be moved; I will stand firm to the end. With God alone is safety - where heart, mind and body will rest securely. 

    Verse eleven holds the diamond. The message is an eternal one. God has shown us the path of Life; it is Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). God He has given us His presence of Joy; it is the Holy Spirit. We have been anointed by God’s ‘oil of gladness’ (Psalm 45:7). God has given us our satisfaction and fulfillment forever- eternal life with Him (Revelation 21:3-4).

    With Him at the bow of my life, I will be like the ‘holy ones’ that are described in this Psalm- they are the excellent ones in the land and they have no eternal sorrow.

Elise DeJong is a master gardener, baking enthusiast, and tradition creator. She has served in ministry capacities in Brazil, Israel, and Mexico. She may currently be trying to persuade her new husband to watch a BBC period drama with her. When summer comes, she will be outside enjoying creation in rural southern Oregon.