Read
(A special psalm by David.)
The Best Choice
1Protect me, Lord God!
I run to you for safety,
2and I have said,
“Only you are my Lord!
Every good thing I have
is a gift from you.”
3Your people are wonderful,
and they make me happy,
4but worshipers of other gods
will have much sorrow.
I refuse to offer sacrifices
of blood to those gods
or worship in their name.
5You, Lord, are all I want!
You are my choice,
and you keep me safe.
6You make my life pleasant,
and my future is bright.
7I praise you, Lord,
for being my guide.
Even in the darkest night,
your teachings fill my mind.
8 I will always look to you,
as you stand beside me
and protect me from fear.
9With all my heart,
I will celebrate,
and I can safely rest.
10 I am your chosen one.
You won't leave me in the grave
or let my body decay.
11You have shown me
the path to life,
and you make me glad
by being near to me.
Sitting at your right side,
I will always be joyful.
Reflect
Augustine summed up the heart of this psalm. “You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”
Daily we are bombarded with luring messages that promise contentment. The advertising industry is built with promises that come up short on delivery. Nothing is new under the sun and nothing of this world will bring deep inner peace.
Why? We were created to know God. David knew in experience God’s security, protection and provision. “Every good thing I have is a gift from you!” (v2b). David wanted the deep happiness of God’s people.
The mystery of the gospel, Paul wrote, is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Once we have experienced Christ’s life and power we cannot go back to empty promises and purposeless living. God is Lord, Master, and the giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). Life without God makes no sense. Why even entertain the thought of looking to secular man-made gods that bring disillusionment and sorrow? In this present life we will always be tempted with the lure of this world’s goods, and even though we know better, we will fail. Praise God we can look forward to a time when we can live unreservedly for him.
To live for Christ is to make the wisest life-choice. Everything we need is provided. No matter what life brings, God’s mighty reservoir is open providing safety, guidance, grace and protection. And God will be there when we face death.
V.10 is one of the few places where the Old Testament mentions a life after death. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ we know so much more. The grave will release its grip. There will be a resurrection—a new life beyond death to a place of eternal joy.
Respond
Dear Father, a thousand tongues are not enough to sing your praise. God, you have kept me in the hollow of your hand and have blessed me with favour. You have given me the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, my redeemer. I will forever praise you! Amen!
Margaret Gibb
Margaret has been actively involved in Canada with ministries to women for over 35 years, serving for 10 years as President of Women Alive. A writer and international speaker, Margaret has a passion to see women fulfill their God-given calling. In October 2011, she founded a new ministry organization, Women Together, that will engage professional Canadian women to come along side women in developing countries with skills development, leadership training, spiritual encouragement and support.