Wednesday, March 16, 2022

           Psalm 16 is a fascinating chapter in the Bible.  It is well-worth our reading and reflection.  This Psalm opens with the plea, “keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge” (16:1).  How many times have we prayed these words or could pray them?  We do look to the Lord to keep us safe and we do turn to Him as our refuge when the storms of life beat down against us.  One recurring theme in Scripture is that of God as our refuge and strength...an ever-present help in times of trouble.  A bit later in Psalm 16:5 we read, “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.”  This verse was one of Elisabeth Elliot’s favorite verses.  It reminds us of at least three crucial lessons we would do well to keep in our hearts.
            First, God does give us work to do.  He hands out assignments.  God chooses us for various forms of service.  The idea is that God has weighed out and considered both us and the work that He has for us to complete.  God does not make that choice based on randomness or some kind of cosmic lottery.  He knows what He is doing and what He has for us to do. 
            Second, God’s work is neither oppressive nor overwhelming.  He strengthens and equips those He calls to serve.  He will make a way for us.  He will give us the blessings and grace necessary to bring to completion whatever He has given us to do.  The Bible says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).  God does not stop in mid-stream.  God does not abandon us when He has sent us to work for Him.
            Third, God’s work is personal to us.  Consider the number of times in Psalm 16:5 that we see the words “me” and “my.”  God’s work is particular and specific to us.  He has chosen YOU or me out of all the candidates and possibilities.  The KING has invited us to join in the work He has set aside for us.  Other people may be able to do the work, but God has offered the work to us.  What a blessing to be chosen by Him!
            Psalm 16:6 says, “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.”  God’s work is good, always good.  He gives us places and boundaries in which we can work without fear or anxiousness.  There is no better or safer place to be than a follower of Jesus Christ doing the work the Lord has for him or her to do.  And when that work is carried out, we will see the pleasant nature of what God has given us to do.  He does refresh and bless us.  This idea of boundary lines can also speak to heritage.  Serving the Lord can be an inheritance that you pass on to your children and grandchildren.  You can change the family tree or the family dynamics by the way you serve.  Would it not be wonderful to see that the generations that follow you are walking with the Lord and serving Him because of what you chose to do TODAY?  Your life is leaving behind boundary lines.  About that, there is no doubt.  But what boundaries are you leaving?  What will your descendants see when they reflect back upon you?
            We end today with the encouragement of Psalm 16:11—the last verse of this particular Psalm.  David wrote, “You (God) have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  God has given us the gifts of life, joy and eternal pleasures as we serve Him.  The path of life is Jesus.  Remember Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  Meditate on Psalm 16 today as you enjoy the cup and portion that God has for you.  Rest within the security of His boundary lines.  Have a great Wednesday!