Pleasures forevermore

Isn't this a most peaceful end-of-summer shot? As summer wanes, and the cooler temps help us to sleep better at night (or should, anyway), I think of these lines from Psalm 16:

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places:

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

Do you ever feel that way? That you have a choice life, that you have been blessed in so many ways? Or is your life one of unmitigated stress and tragedy? I know women in both camps. Being in the former camp, I can easily quote these words and mean them.

Having known those in the latter camp that can also quote and mean them gives me pause. How can she say these words, that woman who lost three of her four children in young adulthood, that one who lived many years in an unhappy, abusive marriage, the one who has been a quadriplegic for over forty years? How can they say that they have a beautiful inheritance?

Only because the Lord is their chosen portion and their cup. They can say with David: I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (v. 8)

I have seen more than one dear friend come out on the other side of intense pressure, still praising God, still hungering after the things he has for her, still wanting to honor him with her life. You have too, no doubt.

And this is why:

You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (v. 11)

Look up today. Reside in his presence, where joy is. Lean into him and know his pleasures.