I thank my God who gives me counsel; even in the night His Spirit instructs me. I follow the Lord and trust Him; Because He is at my right hand, I have unshakable confidence.
Psalm 16:7-8
I was reading Psalm 16 this week, again. With so many nuggets of truth, it's one of my favorites. And if I truly believe David's words about faith and God's faithfulness, they bring me so much peace and joy no matter my circumstances. It can be a daily battle, a daily choice; especially in times like these. But faith is often like that.
Verse one says, Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. David had much to fear: running from a crazy king, battling his enemies, and leading a young nation, just to name a few of his life challenges. It's no wonder he wrote so many psalms of praise, despair, wonder, victory, and hope. He certainly ran the gamut of emotions during his lifetime, and I can relate to his fear, uncertainty, his highs and lows. But David knew where to place his trust:
In you, God, I take refuge.
Considering my current fears and worries, I ask myself, "Am I asking God to keep me safe? Am I taking refuge in Him? Do I believe He can protect me and those I love? Do I believe He is with me? Do I believe in His faithfulness?"
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
for in you I take refuge.
It's a simple prayer, something I can say at the beginning of each day and before I head into unpredictable situations. But it's more than a request for protection, it's also a declaration of faith: You are my refuge; You keep me safe. It's not a prayer to the changing winds of uncertainty, but to a faithful, mighty, powerful God.
In verses seven and eight, David addresses another way of involving God during times of uncertainty: I will praise the LORD who counsels me...I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all. David had obviously figured that out. He knew God would guide him, even while he slept. And he trusted in that counsel, in the incomparable wisdom of God. I can ask for it and expect His guidance.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Daily faith requires me to believe this; to go into each day with that mindset. To have unshakable confidence in God's presence and care. To have faith in His faithfulness. We know it led David all the way to the throne of Israel and beyond--into his old age when he said, I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. (Psalm 37:25-26)
Trusting God and finding my confidence in Him will not only benefit me, but others too: my family, those in need, anyone who crosses my path, or I reach out to in His name.
This kind of faith can change my day, my week, my life; it can change my children's lives; it can change the lives of friends and neighbors--and subsequently their families, friends, and neighbors.
It can change the world. Our world right now during a time of calamity and uncertainty.
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
He leads me, and He will lead you. Cry out to Him. Believe in His protection, care, and guidance, and you will find yourself in a steady place of peace, joy, and hope.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD,
“He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he
will save you from the enemy's trap and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his
wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and protection.
Psalm 91:1-4
Hands photo courtesy of freeimages.com
Forest road photo by Cindy Riggs. © 2015. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psalm 16:7-8; Psalm 91:3-4 paraphrase mine
