the four right chords can make me cry

a Michtam of David.

Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

O my soul, you have said to the Lord,
"You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You" -
And to the saints who are on the earth,
"They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight."

Their sorrows shall be multiplied
who hasten after another god;
Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer,
Nor take up their names on my lips.

You, O Lord, are the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Yes, I have a good inheritance.

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh will also rest in hope.
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your Presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

becky: Uni life looks really exciting, there are so many great, fun, meaningful, beneficial things to do. I'm looking forward to being stretched, to learn so much, to have a rich and fulfilling life. Friends, exchange programmes, sports, activities. But I look at all these things and I declare: Apart from you, I am nothing.

I affirm the truth that those who run after other gods will face multiplied sorrows. It may seem better in the short run, but under the surface, in the long run, any life that is lived without God as the focus will be empty, hollow and broken. And yet I do feel the pull, the seduction, of living life for myself. But Lord, this I do declare to you: I will not take up their names on my lips.

Indeed why should I even run after all these things? For God himself is my portion, I have many blessings. Yes, I have a good inheritance. And I do not have to suffer from status anxiety, because these things are not only given to me, they are made secure, and I do not have to worry if they will still be there tommorrow.

Thank you for the security and confidence that comes when you are placed first in my life. I only pray that I will continually, consciously keep you at my right hand, sensitive to your voice and your counsel. Thank you for the consistency of your character, for I know you will not leave me in Sheol, you will never abandon me.

In your presence is the fullness of joy, in your presence, that's where I belong, that's where I am strong, seeking your face, touching your grace, in the cleft of the rock, in your presence O God.

You will show me the path of life. I wait, and I choose to go where you will lead me.

posted by beckyboo @ 10:09 PM