I love love the Word of God. (That’s not to be confused with read reading the Word, as I’m always wishing and wanting to do better at making Bible reading more of a priority.) I am amazed at the miracle it is — how alive it is, thousands of years later. Tozer wrote about that in his book The Knowledge of the Holy — about how the voice of God continues to reverberate through time, and those “sound waves” have creative power in those who hear. Think about it: I have read a passage tens, dozens, hundreds of times, and suddenly! Suddenly it’s alive in my heart. Suddenly it speaks to deadness and there is life, chains and there is freedom, old and there is new. And those alive fragments of scripture that are hidden deeply in my heart, they change me and shape me into who I am. Every thought process, every life event is seen through those living, powerful Words. What a gift.
Now and then, someone mentions that they’ve not really read much of the Bible, usually (if they’re talking to me!) they’re busy with kids, and they don’t really know where to start. With that in the back of my mind, I’ve decided to post a favorite passage, with or without commentary, for the next several days. Whether familiar or brand new to you, I hope you enjoy right along with me.
psalm 16:5-11
O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Verses 5 and 6 are always in my heart — when I’m fearful about the future, wondering why my life is the way it is, worried that I’m not cut out for “it”, needing to surrender and declare that Jesus is my reward — those words keep me on track.
He gives counsel, He makes steadfast, in Him my heart is glad.
And “You will show me the path of life” — is there any greater truth?