My Prize, My Pleasure, My Portion | Psalm 16

Welcome to Real Life. It (real life) doesn't always turn out as expected. 

THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

–Anonymous 

2020 has been the year of disappointments. Wedding receptions cancelled or downsized. Baby showers on Zoom. Hospitalizations (and even deaths) without loved ones near to comfort. Jobs lost. Businesses closed for good. Milestone birthdays with no big parties. So many trips cancelled. Sporting events minus spectators.

Oh, how I miss the excitement of a crowd, the festivals, and celebrations! 2020 has taught us to appreciate community. In the midst of disappointments and cancellations, I take comfort in the words of King David. 

Lord, you are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion.
I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands.

As people of faith, our richest treasure is knowing Jesus Christ. Because we placed our faith securely in Christ, we have a hope that reaches beyond the disappointments of this life. No virus can rob this treasure. The date is set for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. We will embrace and kiss, dine and dance, laugh and sing, and share stories until the wee hours (without masks). No virus will cancel this joyous celebration! 

While we rejoice in this future hope, it doesn’t mean the disappointment we face today is not real or important. It is real. Jesus sees. He cares. He understands disappointment. Remember how he wept over Jerusalem, saying, “How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.”[1] Jesus is well acquainted with sorrow. He shares our tears. 

Though we suffer disappointment today, remember this. Coronavirus has an expiration date. We do not. We will live forever with Christ in his kingdom of love and light! He will wipe away every tear.[2]

Dear Lord,
We love you! 
You are our prize, our pleasure, and our portion.
You are our safe place.
Your arms catch us when we fall.
And carry us until we can take your hand and walk again.
We lay our disappointments on your altar.
We embrace your will and plan for this day and this year.
We believe you still have good plans for our tomorrows.  
Lift our spirits and comfort our hearts we pray.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Keep me safe, O mighty God.

I run for dear life to you, my safe place.

Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance.

You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion.

I leave my destiny and its timing in your hands. 

Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places.

I’m overwhelmed by the privileges

that come with following you,

for you have given me the best!

The way you counsel and correct me makes me praise you more,

for your whispers in the night give me wisdom,

showing me what to do next.

Because you are close to me and always available,

my confidence will never be shaken,

for I experience your wrap-around presence every moment.

My heart and soul explode with joy—full of glory!

Even my body will rest confident and secure.

Portions of Psalm 16, A Psalm of David
(The Passion Translation)

My heartfelt thanks to all of you who faithfully read and follow my blog by email. You're the best! I recently passed 200,000 views! Wow! All praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! 

[1] Luke 13:34

[2] Revelation 21:4

Wedding Table: Photo by Sat Singh from FreeImages