Forty Days in the Psalmsಮಾದರಿ

Last year, I (Josh) had the privilege of coaching my son’s baseball team. It was a blast watching a bunch of nine-year-olds learn the game of baseball. One thing became obvious; winning gives us a glimpse into a person’s heart, but losing swings the door wide open. The kid’s (and coaches’) true colors were on full display when we lost.

Like the boys on my team, we learn much about ourselves from losing. Whether it’s losing health, comfort, reputation, or a job, loss comes knocking at everyone’s front door. It’s then we discover what’s in our hearts and the foundation on which we’ve built our lives.

Loss had been knocking on David’s door for a while when we get to Psalm 16. I wouldn’t have blamed David for getting angry, blame-shifting, being depressed, or a host of other real emotions that you and I feel. However, throughout these eleven verses, instead of panic and fear, we see security and steadfastness in God. Instead of counting the tally marks in the loss column, David reminds himself of what he can never lose.

Consider verse 8: “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Despite the tough losses in David’s life, the assurance of God’s Presence was enough to keep him from freaking out. If God was with him, he would get through this.

Fast forward to the Book of Acts when the apostle Peter would stand before a crowd of unbelievers and quote this exact verse as he spoke of the Resurrection of Jesus. Echoing the words of David, Peter says, my security is not in my health, wealth, friends, or even my reputation, but it is put squarely on the shoulders of the Resurrected Christ. Christ is enough. If I have Him, I cannot be shaken. It's focusing less on who has left your side and more on the One who will never leave or forsake you.

RESPOND IN PRAYER:

Has loss caused you to react in ways you aren’t very proud of? Ask God to help reveal what your heart has put its trust in. Pray for a steadfast faith to trust that if God is with you, you will not be shaken. Take a moment to speak these words over your life; “Christ is enough for me."