Preserve 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 saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.1
Just as Hannah prayed for her son Samuel, “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones . . .”2 Amusingly, every time we have a get together with batchmates or family, my colorful past would always be mentioned. Whereas, the younger generation who hear of my past—either friends of my children or church family can’t seem to match the description. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful.3 By God’s grace I have morphed into a new creation.4 I have been set apart—a living saint. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.5 The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.6 Paul affirmed the saints of the land in his epistles, and prayed for them.7
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.8 With intentionality I seek the LORD daily trusting that he knows what is best for me.9 For I know in him, when I heard the word of truth, the gospel of my salvation, and believed in him, was sealed by the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of my inheritance until I acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.10
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.11 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith. . . .12 Be still. We have a God who is able to calm the storm.13
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.14 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Psalm 16:1-3
2. 1 Samuel 2:9
3. Psalm 116:5
4. 2 Corinthians 5:17
5. Romans 8:27
6. Daniel 7:18;
7. Ephesians 1:1; 3:14-21; 6:18
8. Psalm 16:5-6
9. Matthew 6:33
10. Ephesians 1:3-14 (esp. 11-14)
11. Psalm 16:7-8
12. James 1:5-8
13. Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25
14. Psalm 16:9-11
