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Read Psalm 16:8.
One of the highlights of being a summer camp counselor in the mountains of northeast Georgia was the mid-week’s two-mile hike to the top of the mountain. I hiked that trail as a child and a youth. But as a camp counselor, we had to go through extensive training to be responsible to lead others safely on the trail. In training, the leader in front of us knew the trail and each turn to make; knew the hazards along the way; and knew where to rest. Our role was simply to remain focused on this one, leading, teaching and preparing us to lead the campers throughout the summer.
Psalm 16 is a psalm of confidence with great joy, portraying the identity of those who abide in God’s presence. David declared that he was focused on God continually so his life would not be shaken. David’s life is centered and focused on God such that he trusts completely and follows God’s leading throughout his life.
Many “things” of this world call us to lose our focus on God and follow other “trails”. If we did that as campers or as counselors-in-training, we could easily lose our way and end up completely lost! The younger David’s experience as a shepherd of sheep knew how easily sheep could become lost following other trails. In Psalm 23, David declares, “The Lord is my Shepherd!” The Lord is the focus of David’s life and that’s who he follows for safe keeping, for leading and guiding and for rest.
The good word of grace is that God is ever before you, beside you and behind you. You can take refuge in God and be safe and not be shaken. We are called simply to remain focused on God. Amen.
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