Focus

Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.

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Read

Psalm 16 (NRSV)

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.

Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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Reflect

The story is told of a monastery in Portugal that is perched high on a 3,000 foot cliff. It is accessible only by a terrifying ride in a swaying basket. The basket is pulled with a single rope by several strong men, perspiring under the strain of the fully loaded basket. One American tourist who visited the site got nervous halfway up the cliff when he noticed that the rope was old and frayed. Hoping to relieve his fear he asked, “How often do you change the rope?” The monk in charge replied, “Whenever it breaks!”

In my reading of commentaries on this psalm, I found that most scholars consider it to be a psalm of confidence or trust. The psalmist desired protection and wisely sought the counsel of God. As a single mother to teenage daughters, I often feel like the tourist waiting to ride a swaying basket pulled by a fraying rope. Am I making good parenting decisions? Are my children safe? Will my pay check cover the bills this month? Are they going to kill each other? When it all gets to be too much, I can turn to God in prayer.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.

I treasure these words and the assurance that the Lord is before me. Thanks be to God!

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Pray

Wise and loving God, I am so grateful for the wise counsel of friends. Continue to surround me with your presence and peace as I learn to trust in you. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Go with God.