January 5thPsalm 16, ‘Singing with Confidence’
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
When we accepted the call to pastor Herschel and Fiske Mennonite churches, we had a problem. There was little housing available so we could live in Rosetown or we could build in Fiske. We decided to build a home in Fiske. I will never forget the experience: watching the building go up, anticipating how we would furnish it, dreaming of how we would inhabit this space intended as a place of hospitality for our two communities. And when it was done, a feeling of gratitude, wonder, and a little awe that we had this shiny new home that we could share with others.
And we did. Friday evenings it was a sort of youth centre where the kids could hang out, play games and study the Bible. Sunday afternoons were for leisurely visits with congregants. And once we even hosted a group of travellers who were stranded in Fiske. When they went to the local bar to find out about accommodations, the bartender advised them to call the pastors. It turned out to be a great evening with strangers who became friends.
The psalm begins with a confession of faith: ‘Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.’ All that follows in the psalm is built on this confession.
Vs. 2-3 – the psalmist recognizes God as ‘Lord’ and confesses that all the good in her life comes from a gracious God.
Vs. 4 – she refuses to acknowledge any other god (idol) for that way lies sorrow and trouble.
Vs. 5-6 – a statement of gratitude for the goodness of life, simple pleasures of home, family, and a supportive community, all seen as gifts from a gracious God.
Vs. 7-10 – trust in the security God provides. The psalmist trusts that she will not be moved or shaken because God has her back. Even in death she trusts she will not be separated from the goodness of the faithful God.
Vs. 11 – the logic of the psalm leads to an exuberant expression of joy.
This is a good psalm to reflect on as we enter a new year.
What are the ‘pleasant places’ that you inhabit?
Can you confess a strong feeling of ‘security’ in God’s reliability?
What ‘joy’ moves in you as you enter a new year?
11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.
‘A New Song’ [Wendy & Mary]