Always Before Me

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Psalm 16 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
8        I have set the LORD always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 

9        Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure.

10      For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

or let your holy one see corruption. 

11      You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

(Psalm 16:8-11, ESV)

 

REFLECTIONS:
The Psalms are incredibly important instruments for forming the inner life of God's people. Interestingly, much of their effectiveness derives from the fact that they are also about how this formation occurs. They speak forth, in poetic tones, of how God and human beings interact to shape the inner and outer lives of individuals and communities. Though the Psalms do teach, most of their power for forming our inner life and character lies in their beauty and their capacity to penetrate our mind, our emotions, our body, our relationships—indeed, our entire life.

These Spirit-inspired poems and songs can, by the grace of God, be the locus of great joy and character transformation as we allow them to sink deep into our hearts. If we enter into the Psalms honestly and faithfully, they can induce experiences and actions within us that truly reflect the words expressed. This, in turn, will shape and reshape our inner being and character into the state that God would have it. And maintain it! The testimony of God's people throughout the ages, even up to our day, confirms this. Nothing on earth matches the Psalter as a public exercise for cultivating a right heart in relation to God.


POINT OF ACTION:
The phrase “I have set the LORD always before me” suggests that the psalmist used his imagination to make the presence of the Lord more real and God's security more tangible. 

Take a few moments and imagine that Jesus is sitting right next to you as you talk with him about the events of your day. 

Did God's presence seem closer? Did you feel more secure?


WHO AM I?
I am Tres Sansom, and I am looking forward to this weekend's Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Should be some good old-fashioned smash-mouth football. Just the way I like it!