Bountiful Spirit - March 21, 2021
Psalm 16
Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; I have said to the Lord, "You are my Lord, my good above all other." All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, upon those who are noble among the people. But those who run after other gods shall have their troubles multiplied. Their libations of blood I will not offer, nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; it is you who uphold my lot. My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; indeed, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me, night after night. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope.
For you will not abandon me to the grave, nor let your holy one see the Pit. You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Reflection by Mendy Thomas
The first line in this Psalm is “Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you”. It had me at hello! If there ever was a time in this world these words were more needed, now is the time.
Many of us are struggling with loneliness, depression, loss, sickness, and other challenges. This Psalm talks about the regret and emptiness of those who choose to follow other gods or leaders. Especially in times like these, we have to turn to God, our creator, who loves us despite ourselves.
It is during these times that challenge us, even if we don’t know it, God is closer to us than ever. We all have emptiness and “holes” in ourselves that we cannot fill. But he can. He blesses those who are not full of themselves, but those who are empty. All we have to do is know that, and we are secure in his love.
Our path in life can be clear or not, but he is there every step of the way. We have to let his love in and be glad that in him we will have fullness and peace. He will fill us with joy and hope. We just have to let him.
