The way you counsel and correct me makes me praise you more,
for your whispers in the night give me wisdom,
showing me what to do next.
Because you are close to me and always available,
my confidence will never be shaken,
for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment.
My heart and soul explode with joy—full of glory!
Even my body will rest confident and secure.
For you will not abandon me to the realm of death,
nor will you allow your Holy One to experience corruption.
For you bring me a continual revelation of resurrection life,
the path to the bliss that brings me face-to-face with you. take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss. Psalm 16:8-11 (TPT)
There are moments when the weight of the world overwhelms me. Perhaps watching the news, listening to a song, or having a conversation with a friend can catapult me into a gloom and doom mindset. In our COVID world, it is too easy to fall into the trap of thinking about the worst. Yes, we often take trips to the land of gloom and doom, but the important thing is that we do not stay there for long.
Psalm 16 reminds me that God is with me. Not just on Sunday morning or when I am reading scripture, God is with always with me. When I lie awake in the night, my mind racing with worry, I must remember that God is only a whisper away. It is in those conversations that I feel the presence of God.
The presence of God is not simply a presence existing on the opposite side of the room. This Divine presence is wrapped around me, clutching me tightly. It is the embrace of warmth, compassion and love and permeates every part of my being. And most importantly, God promises to never abandon me. Even when we approach death, God’s love is with us.
God loves us. No exceptions. No stipulations. No mistakes.
- When the worst of the worst happens, you are still loved.
- When you get angry at God, you are still loved.
- And even when you decide to leave your faith behind, you are still loved.
May you always remember that God’s embrace is one we will never escape.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Cazandra