Eastertide

April 12, 2023

Scripture Reading: Psalm 16
Protect 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 holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
   in whom is all my delight.

Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
   their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out
   or take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
   you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
   I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
   in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
   because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
   my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
   or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
   In your presence there is fullness of joy;
   in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

My study bible opens this Psalm describing it as a Miktam of David. Having never heard of that word, I looked it up and learned essentially that no one knows what it means. Strongs Concordance describes it as a technical term.  It starts with a prayer, warns against idolatry, expresses appreciation for the Lord’s constancy, and celebrates the Lord’s presence which brings David joy. This seems to be an overheard prayer of David’s very personal communion with God, probably never meant for publication. I am glad it was captured for posterity, for it offers a wonderful example of an intimate relationship between an individual and God.

Prayer: Lord, this prayer is a welcomed respite from what is happening in our world today. I thank you for the opportunities I have had to rest and muse for a time with you and me as David did in this poem. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.