Day 12

Day 12 – August 19th, 2021 – Susan Moeller

Psalm 16:9-11 

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

It’s amazing that this is the word I was given to reflect on because I’ve recently learned these lessons. I encourage you to read all of Psalm 16 and especially verses 1 and 8. At the beginning of Psalm 16, David asks God for protection. In verse 8, David states
that he KNOWS God is always with him and he won’t be shaken. I’ve been a Christian for a long time and though I’ve always believed this, there have been times in my life that, instead of being contented with who I am or my situation, I became complacent, that is, feeling calmly satisfied with my own abilities and situation to the point that it prevents me from trying harder and sometimes even remembering God is my refuge. 

This past year, many of us, while stuck at home, resigned ourselves to a more sedentary life. Day to day, we did less and accomplished less. We became complacent. This passage speaks so loudly to me because this year a cancer diagnosis dramatically changed my life. It showed me that I had been complacent in my relationship with God and urged me to a new place: one of contentment. A bad medical diagnosis forces you into the stages of grieving and I was no different. During this time, God spoke to me urging me to come closer, to stay with Him. He encouraged me to lean in and rely on Him. I learned to find ways to be glad, to search for God even in the tough moments, in the pain. He gave me peace. I learned that God wouldn’t abandon me and that my provision and security did not come from a good diagnosis, but instead came from a God who shows me the path of life. He is the source of gladness and the fullness of joy for me. I came to wonder how anyone could navigate the same journey WITHOUT God at the center. This diagnosis taught me to seek joy in God’s presence, in the midst of trial, to be content that God is my security. Like David, we need to confess that God is always with us and we won’t be shaken. Friends, find joy and rejoice in the security that only God can provide. 

Lord, please show us your provision and fill our hearts with gladness! Help us to find joy and security in knowing that You are always with us. Help us to confess that with you on our side, we will not be shaken. Help us to break free of complacency and find contentment and the fullness of joy in Your presence. When we fall short, Lord, lift us back up and assure us that you won’t abandon us. Only you, Lord, can show us the path of life as we walk with You. Amen.