Devotion:
Read Psalm 16 (NIRV)
David, the psalm’s writer, speaks of being secure in God’s care three times in this brief psalm!
My college professor of Child Development and Preschool Methods, Dr. Barbara McDougal said “to build within children a strong sense of their own security and their being secure in your care are two of the most important gifts you can give to children. It all begins with building trust each step of the way. And trust is built when words and actions match-up.”
The psalmist speaks of complete security in God’s care of him. This builds trust and confidence in the relationship in such a way that the psalmist has absolutely no need of other “gods”. God provides for him everything he needs. God counsels him in the night and is always present. He is given all the security he needs; even life and death are secure in God’s care. There is joy in God’s presence and everything about the future can be trusted into God’s care. The psalmist’s heart is glad and full of praise!
What a gift of security God has given to us in this Divine and human relationship, that not even death can undermine! We can trust God completely! God’s words and actions match-up! We don’t have to go searching for “other gods” who would try to consume us. Instead God breathes into us the very breath of life! This Psalm has been called a “Psalm of Confidence” filled with the joyful attitude and speech of abiding in God’s presence and care.
Dr. J. Clinton McCann, Jr. writes, “Abundant life is something we receive. We begin to experience this gift when we say with the Psalmist, ‘You are my Lord’ (vs. 2). This act of humility promises exaltation. Psalm 16 is both a challenge to keep the Lord always before us and a promise that the experience of God’s presence is its own reward: abundant life and fullness of joy.”
Personal Worship Option:
Let this song be our prayer,
Oh God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
Oh God, You are my God
And, I will ever praise You
I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to
Walk in Your ways
And step by step You'll lead me
And I will follow You all of my days
“Step by Step” by David “Beaker” Besser and Rich Mullins
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