There’s a lot of good in the world. James 1:17 clearly says so: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” And that’s the point. He is good, and good comes from him.
“Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You… ‘I have no good besides You.’” Psalm 16:1-2
We have nothing good apart from God. So, let’s not write everything off. There is a lot of good because we have a good God. As Acts 17:28 says, “In him we live and move and have our being…”
Genesis 1:31 states, “…God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good…” Then take original creation and make it new creation, and it’s even better. The psalmist agrees. Good is from a good God.
“As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.” Psalm 16:3
As I grieved the loss of my wife, I was encouraged and strengthened by one song in particular, “He Will Hold Me Fast,” sung by Keith and Kristyn Getty. I recall one verse that speaks to Psalm 16:
“Those He saves are His delight. Christ will hold me fast. Precious in His holy sight, He will hold me fast…” Matt Merker, “He Will Hold Me Fast”
The majestic saints of the earth are the delight of God. Both words, majestic and saint, are God-infused. He alone is good. Resolutely refuse to go after other gods. Adding more brokenness to brokenness is not a good bet.
“The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied…” Psalm 16:4
This broken world has enough troubles; every day has enough of its own. No need to borrow tomorrow’s troubles (Matthew 6:34). Already broken and fallen, the world is marked by pain. Who would bargain with other gods, and thus, multiply their sorrows? “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup…” (Psalm 16:5).
“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.” Psalm 16:6
A missionary colleague, who lost her husband, shared this passage as an answer to the confusing puzzle she was left with after a terrorist’s bomb took her husband’s life. The puzzle is clearer when the lines fall in pleasant places. Regardless of the brokenness of loss, majestic saints have a beautiful heritage.
“I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad…” Psalm 16: 7-9
My response is to bless him and to set him before me. If the lines are in pleasant places, I will not be shaken, and my heart will be glad. His response is to keep me from decay. He makes me know his path for my life, and his presence delivers an abundance of joy. Pleasures forever.
“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply…” Joseph Funk, “How Firm a Foundation”
Read the E-book Facing Loss: Lessons of Hope from My Unwanted Journey
As I grieved the loss of my wife, I was encouraged and strengthened by one song in particular, “He Will Hold Me Fast,” sung by Keith and Kristyn Getty. I recall one verse that speaks to Psalm 16:
Interesting. I found the song by the Getty’s to be of much comfort after my wife’s passing. I played it numerous times.
I found songs such as this one and many more so helpful. I found testimonials of other sufferers in book form or any other form helpful. And I found Scripture, particularly the Psalms helpful. Lynn, I trust you’re healing and pressing on. I pray for you daily.