Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.
Psalm 16:11 The Message
David, as we mentioned on Monday, was facing his own lockdown crisis. He was on the run and not really sure which was the best pathway. In fact, on one occasion he actually chose to join the enemy and pretended to be mad.
David was trying to seek the best pathway in order for him to survive.
In the end, David chose God’s way and he would seek to travel down the path of life, that is, the path leading to life as mentioned in our above statement. This was how David would end this Psalm with a choice and the benefits of that choice.
Just before he ends the psalm, David gives the reason why choosing the path of life (God’s way) was so advantageous. Notice what he says –
The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. Verses 7-8 The Message
David has two blessed things; Counsel (day time) and a Confirmation which enables David to sleep at night time. 24/7 Is that not what we all want! (a good thing going) A confirmation in my heart that all is well! No sleepless nights!!
You see this year, in particular, I too have been given much Counsel (advice) on the new pathway in regarding of the washing of hands, safe distancing when shopping or out for a walk and the wearing of masks if I should travel on public transport. Now I believe shops are beginning to open to the public and once again there will be a new pathway of guidance for those of us who want to return to shopping.
Furthermore, as I begin to see light at the end of the tunnel regarding coming out of lockdown, in particular, the reopening of the church I have both been blessed and inundated with Counsel (advice). This advice will be how to travel down the pathway of reopening the church here at Erdington.
All this is going to be very helpful but what about my own personal life path? I believe it has to be the one David chose – God’s Counsel. I want to have peace day and night as David knew. How often do I or you lie in bed at night thinking and wondering of events that are playing on our mind which we know we have to deal with? How hard is it to just go to sleep?
Ever heard someone say you sleep ok because you have no conscience? David would say this not true I have one but I allow God’s guidance to control my life. Hence I sleep ok.
When this lockdown and virus hit us initially, many would have found living and sleeping a challenge due to facing something completely new and out of the blue.
David has some advice in Psalm 42 and 43 Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him. These are two short Psalms and should be coupled together. David is facing an uncertain pathway. David continues to tell us to Put your hope in God. Please take time out to read these Psalms, you will be blessed as you also learn how to put your hope in God by following His counsel (The Message Bible is a good translation of these two Psalms).
David continues to tell (Psalm 16 verses 9-10) how he feels by allowing God’s Counsel to control his life. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in. What a confirmation to know you are happy no matter what your circumstance is. David was still in trouble at this point in his life but he had an answer and we do too.
Take great encouragement. We have been given the same advice. Take your Counsel from God and see the Confirmation take place.
Stay safe and blessed.