Psalm 16

This week has found me with discontentment, distrust, and discouragement. So, a pretty normal week. ;) 

I might try to fight these feelings by being positive or finding good things to be happy about. I have a good life, why am I being so discontent? Think about the good things in your life, Amanda. You have so many great qualities, you're a great person. It's going to be ok. 

By God's grace, He turned my heart instead to one of my favorite Psalms (I have many)...Psalm 16. As I read it aloud, my heart was filled with peace, even when my mind was yet to be convinced. I began to pray the verses, a practice that has been of tremendous benefit when I wasn't sure what to pray or how to begin. 

"Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You." (Psalm 16:1) God, thank You that You are my Refuge. I can turn to You in anything and You are the One who protects me. I am sorry that I don't turn to You for that shelter and protection. Help me to turn to You.

"I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides you'." (Psalm 16:2) Jesus, You are my good! It is in You, and only in You that I have anything good, and all that I have that is good is from You. Thank you! 

"Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." (Psalm 16:5-6) God, You hold my future. I have nothing to fear, knowing that you are all that I need. I see how You have provided. I see how You have been faithful in my life. And I know all that comes will continue to be poured out from Your heart of faithfulness and goodness. 

"You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures." (Psalm 16:11) It is in You, Christ, that I find life and joy and eternal pleasures! This world has nothing compared to You. Keep my heart from chasing after other things to satisfy and bring joy and life, when it is in You. God, You are above all else. You are my Guide, my Peace. You are my Joy. Thank you for your faithfulness to me, and your strong power to provide for and sustain me. Help me to trust You more. 

In these verses, prayers of ADORATION, CONFESSION, THANKSGIVING, and SUPPLICATION can be made. They can be a starting point to tell God who He is, to confess my sin and shortcomings, to thank Him for who He is, and to ask Him for help. 

As I went back to these verses, reading them out loud, and using them to pray, God has helped me find contentment in Him and what He has done for me, trust Him more (He is trustworthy!), and encourage my heart in Truth. It"s not magical, but it is lovely and true and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). By God's grace, I will continue to turn to Him and as I continue to feast on His word, I know I am changed.