There is a constant dialogue going on in my head, when I am at church these days.  I find myself evaluating everything that is said, sung, read.  The theme at church last week was faithfulness. Oh how that word and the promises behind it, get stuck in my thinking these days.

Great is the faithfulness? Do I still believe that? I used to, do I still? We keep singing, “All I have needed thy hath provided.” Did you? So are you saying, God, I don’t need Grant, here with me on Earth? I guess in the technical sense, I don’t need him.  I can breathe, I can eat, I still wake up in the morning, my heart still beats, I am alive.  So I guess technically it’s a ‘want’ not a ‘need.’  But don’t I need him here with me to feel whole? To feel happy, joyful, alive? Don’t I need Him here as proof of your faithfulness?

Our verse for the day…Psalm 16:5-11

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.  6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 

(The lines of my lot in life have fallen in pleasant places?! My lot in life proves your faithfulness. I can’t see it Lord.)

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.  8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 

(Lord, I am shaken…I am shaken, Lord. Where is your faithfulness?)

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

(Lord, my heart is not glad, and I struggle to rejoice with even a part of my being. And security is out the door…I am fearful, Lord. Where is your faithfulness?)

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.  11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

(Oh, I see, Lord.  This is where it all makes sense.  Verses 10 & 11 bring understanding! I see it now, the evidence of your faithfulness!)

The lines you have drawn for my lot, extend from Earth to Heaven.  My lot in life, my inheritance, is not an Earthly plot, but rather eternity in paradise.  I would definitely consider that a “pleasant place.”  Lord, I can find gladness and I do rejoice in that knowledge, and yes, I see your faithfulness to me.  You have not abandoned my soul, nor did you abandon Grant’s soul, and we will never see Sheol (a metaphor for Hell). What faithfulness, Lord. That was your doing, not ours. Yes! I can rejoice with ‘my whole being!’ at your faithfulness to our souls. There will be fullness of joy and pleasures forever more, in the next life.  Yes, I see it now God, you are faithful.

I must not look at Scripture or the promises of God, through a temporal lens.  That view will skew God’s word and make His promises ring hollow.  When I look at this verse from God’s perspective, from eternity’s perspective, I do see the Lord’s faithfulness.  I have a beautiful inheritance, the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, and I can rejoice with my whole being, and continue to grieve with hope!