THE CRUX OF THE MATTER
While life has its many flavors and takes multiple courses, have you ever wondered what lays at its crux? When all is said and done, what is it that really matters? David reveals it in Psalms 16.
- THE GOODNESS OF GOD: it is hard to be sure of almost anything in this world apart from the certainty of death. But for one who knows God, nothing can be more certain than the goodness of God. David writes, “…apart from you I have no good thing” (v2) and “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup…..the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places…” (v5,6). When God leads us and we willingly follow in to our assigned portions, it is the best that can be. The boundary lines fall naturally into pleasant places as the Lord prevents us from going astray. When transient disappointments and setbacks come our way, let us not despair, rather trust in the all-encompassing goodness of God.
- THE GUIDANCE OF GOD: “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me”(v7). To one who seeks God above all else and seeks his guidance, God’s counsel will not be lacking. He speaks to us through his Word, through people, circumstances and even when we sleep through dreams. His impressions come to rest on our souls and we know what he wants in an irrefutable manner. There are times when we take decisions in haste and then end up with loss because we simply failed to wait upon the Lord patiently in prayer. Learning to interpret the guidance of God as he counsels us and interpret dreams as he reveals them is within reach of every believer.
- THE FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD’S PEOPLE: “I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips.” (v:3-4) David rejoices in the company of those who serve God like him, which is what true fellowship is. People are united by different cords including hobbies, passions, identities, race, profession etc. Yet fellowship is one where people are united by God’s Spirit. Further, David distances himself from the practices of those who run after other gods, which includes anything that takes the place of the true God. True worship cannot happen when man chases after the things of this world. A disciple must learn to handle these without getting attached to any of these.
As man journeys through this temporary life with its pleasures and pains, joys and sorrows, triumphs and setbacks, what really matters is a foundation that remains strong in the Lord.
