January 16, 2023
You will make known to me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy. In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11)
Is it worthwhile to spend your life pursuing God? Drawing near to Him? The greatest human king in history thought so. He was a man who went after God with all his heart. And the results of this Godward life were stunning.
The Psalms are a treasure to us because they open a window into how David drew near to the Lord and the blessed results of this pursuit. Psalm 16 gives insight into a man who experienced God.
DRAWING NEAR
David understood the value of God. Other men valued other gods. But David knew there was no other place of such refuge (Vs. 1). It was his “highest good” (Vs. 2). He looked at other men who chose other gods and noticed that they lived in sorrow. But David chose to “set the Lord continually before” him (vs. 8).
How do you set God there? You meet Him in His Word and prayer. You continually look to Him throughout the day. He is your first and best thought. Your constant and deepest friend. He is your God, and you choose no other.
THE BLESSED RESULTS
David’s continual pursuit of the Father yielded a treasure of blessing. God became what he received in life, his portion and cup (Vs. 5). Other men received their inheritance, and it flashed and faded, but David’s inheritance was personal, eternal, and lasting. It was pleasant and beautiful to him, for the one who has God is the richest man in heaven and earth (vs. 6).
God counseled David. What could be more important than having God direct your life? Other men relied on gods who gave no instruction. But David was continually led by God, even in the night watches, for he pursued God there (Vs. 7, 10). David found the path of life, while others wandered aimlessly (Vs. 11).
David’s life was stable and secure (Vs. 8-10). Other men die and decay, but not the God-follower. He will know God’s protective, eternal care (Vs. 10-11).
So, why do we hear David singing throughout his life? It was because he was walking with God. And in God’s presence is “fullness of joy,” and at His right hand are “pleasures forevermore” (vs. 11).
You can choose whatever god you desire. And you will choose. Every man does. But, as for me and my house, we will choose the Lord.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?
