Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Our Verse of the Day is a great reminder for us to always keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord … to keep our focus and gaze steadfast on Him at all times. Indeed, if we keep our attention on Jesus, we will not engage ourselves in the things of this world … the allures and enticements that can distract us from intimacy with Him.
I love how the King David draws us to contemplate the depths of our fellowship with God … to sense and breathe in His presence “at our right hand” … to know our faith cannot be shaken or moved. Yes, it is evident to me that keeping our hearts focused on God aligns His “power” to fill our lives and give us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and goodness. (Cf. 2 Peter 1:3) We can wholly trust in His strength to protect and preserve our lives. We can look to Him to guard our hearts; to direct our steps; and to bring us to everlasting life. I want to reprint the entire Psalm 16 for us because I think you will find it uplifting not only for your day … but for your faith:
1 Preserve (watch over) me, O God, for in You I take refuge and put my trust.
2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, apart from You I have no good thing.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth, I say, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who chase after other gods; their drink offerings of blood I will not offer nor take up their names on my lips.
5 O Lord, You alone are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain (uphold and secure) my lot.
6 The boundary lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, surely I have a good and delightful inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; even at night my heart also instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; I keep my eyes always on the Lord because He is at my right hand and I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy and Faithful One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Indeed, there are many petitions and supplications found here, and there is beautiful praise and thanksgiving offered as well. The themes that I see are to take refuge in the Lord; to keep our eyes fixed on Him; and to trust in His provision of everything we need for life. He alone is our security. He alone is our rest. He is our eternal portion and inheritance. We have nothing except what He has given us to enjoy. (Cf. 1 Timothy 6:17) So, I too, will praise the Lord who counsels me … who has made known to me the path of life … who has filled me with the joy of His presence! And He has promised me pleasures at His right hand forevermore!
I am reminded that the Apostle John cautioned us to guard our desires:
1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Father … we love you and thank you for your pleasant word to us. We thank you for the encouragement and strength your Word provides us. Our hearts are glad! Our lips sing praises to your Name! We can rest under the shadow of your wings and trust in your provision of all good things to enjoy. Yes, to you we look for the redemption of our bodies and the promise of eternal life through your Son, Christ Jesus. We worship you for who you are and for all you have done for us! Our joy and delight are in you! So, Lord, help us to keep our eyes fixed upon you … upon Jesus! For it is in His Name … the name above every other name that we pray. Amen.
So Now You Know…
Have a Blessed Day!
Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up. ~ Hebrews 12:1-3
So Now You Know 