DAY 2: Psalm 16-the risen lord
REFLECTION
This psalm breathes confidence. David trusts that God will keep him safe (v. 1). There is no one else he should trust or seek blessing from. God alone is trustworthy (v.5). God satisfies him and provides all he needs (v.5-8). God instructs him as to how to live (v. 7). He will not abandon him in death (v.10).
Likewise, every believer can have confidence and contentment in the care of the Lord. “In your presence are pleasures evermore” (v.11). Nothing else is needed. Even in suffering, poor health, lack of finances, challenges with children, and stressful workplaces, the Lord is your ever-present refuge and life.
The apostles later saw these words fulfilled in the life and resurrection of Jesus. The Holy One (v.10) who won’t see decay is Jesus.
Therefore, we should hear these verses as from the lips of Jesus himself. He is the only one who has ever wholeheartedly desired the living God with every fibre of his body in every moment of his life on earth. He sets us the example of wholehearted devotion and confidence in God.
GOSPEL READING
Luke 24: 1-12: (NIV)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.
5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Have you tasted God’s “pleasures evermore”? Are you aware of his endless love for you? If not, ask him to reveal more of this to you.
Are you aware of anything you look to for security, stability and joy apart from God? Confess these things to the Lord.
How could resurrection hope spill into your work or relationships today?
PRACTICING SURRENDER
Take a slow walk outdoors while repeating, “You will not abandon me.” Let the risen Christ’s presence interrupt any rising fear or anxiety or loneliness.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and forever.
Amen.
