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Love, love, love Psalm 16. It's a such a sweet and powerful affirmation! How I want to claim all David asserts in these few verses, a "miktam," which may be a song.
Sometimes, even if we’re facing a legit problem, what really takes us down is what our minds tell us about whatever it is, magnifying the misery. We can go to a place of condemnation or criticism or relentless revisiting, projecting the worst. This is a challenge for me and only the most intentional practice helps.
Psalm 16 is an unexpected affirmative treasure, packed with power to lift our sights and spirits. Not fluff but fact.
If you are feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, hopeless, outgunned or otherwise down, please take two minutes to sing with David this positive anthem of faith and hope!
Harborside Music is my church's worship team with several inspiring albums. Check out their YouTube channel and albums on Apple Music and Google Play.
Here's my Isabella paraphrase, short and simple:
Dear God,
You're my safe place.
You're in charge.
Everything good in my life is from You and there's so much of it!
Your people are my people and I love being with them.
People who chase other gods will be increasingly miserable and I want no part of that.
You've blessed me richly. My future is Yours.
In You I find total satisfaction.
I'm so grateful You're always there for me.
In the midnight hours, you offer wise guidance.
I'm focused on Your constant nearness where nothing can rattle me.
When I'm there, I feel joyful and safe.
I know You won't abandon me or let me die--literally or figuratively.
You show me the way of LIFE!
Just being with You fills me with joy and pleasure!
Can I tell you that just writing that paraphrase lifted my spirits A LOT!
I want to remind us that David was a popular King, beloved and anointed by God Himself, yet at different times beleaguered by all sorts of cray-cray troubles, including ginormous ones of his own creation and the ripple effects thereof. It's believed Dave wrote this psalm mid-crisis.
WOW!
How might we all feel differently if we prayed so confidently during the dark times, no matter how rough things look to us or the source of our woes. This harkens neatly to another suggestion by the apostle Paul, much later:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I want to linger in this psalm, invoke it with David's same resounding confidence, trusting God makes all things right in good time (Romans 8:28) and can give us grace to have it be alright in this moment, too.
Love, grace, peace, & joy in Christ,
PRAYER: God, Please help me have David's positivity and confidence in you. Thank you. I love you. Amen.
ACTION:
1. Print out this blog.
2. Read either the official or Isabella version of Psalm 16 every day or as needed for at least 7 consecutive days.
3. Bonus points if you sing it.
4. Note effect.
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