What the world cannot offer
Many of us were deeply saddened and shocked when hearing of the fatal car accident last week in our Eastwood neighbourhood. When footage of the wreckage was shown it was devastating to see. But perhaps most devastating for those of us looking in on this situation was the fragility of life. It can be taken away so quickly.
Many of us have suffered through the grief of loss and know what it is like to experience the pain of losing someone unexpectedly.
One thing that really strikes me in reading the early Psalms is how insecure King David's life on earth was. He has so many enemies. There are so many around him who he cannot trust. His life is so uncertain. Much like ours. We have different uncertainties, but they are still uncertainties.
We can convince ourselves that we are OK, that we are not at risk, that we have security. But accidents like last week remind us that no one's life is guaranteed even until the end of the day. That reality left King David, and should leave us, searching for something with real promise, and real security.
David calls out to God in Psalm 16:
Psalm 16:1
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge"
God is his refuge. God is his safe place. Even under the threat of death, God is his shelter. As David renews his commitment to the Lord, as he turns away from other gods, as he makes his stand in faith, David continues:
Psalm 16:5
Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
Because David knows God is the one who is secure in this world and even beyond this world, he can find joy even when facing worldly uncertainty:
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasure at your right hand.
David reminds us that true joy and security with God are actually found, ultimately, in the eternal promises of God. God can offer us not only joy now, but peace forever - something the world cannot ever offer.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that I can find security in you. Keep my heart invested in the things that matter, not in the earthly things that cannot offer peace and joy and eternal happiness. Give me the strength to make my commitment to you my priority and help me turn away from the false gods of this world so that I might always know true joy in you, my one true God.
Amen.