“As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. I will not pour out their libations of blood or take up their names on my lips.” (Psalm 16:3-4)
To get the full impact of today’s passage, it helps to read the one before it again: “I said to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’ ”
David describes two big differences between people who are willing to agree with God that without him they “have no good thing” – and people who look everywhere else but God for good things.
The first difference is emotional. Those who chase false gods (of all kinds) in hopes of finding good things for themselves will end up sad. And then sadder. And then sadder still. Those who enjoy good gifts from the one true God will have, well, enjoyment.
Two, David refuses to hedge his bets. He refuses to add any other gods to his worship playlist just in case the God of the universe didn’t come through for him, after all. He was convinced that God never fails. He put 100 percent of his hope in the God who is One.
Think: Most of us don’t worship idols or practice other religions. Our worship is for God alone. But do we sometimes disobey or ignore him in hopes of finding good things without him? What are some of the things modern Christians are tempted to turn into “other gods”?
Pray: Thank God that he is the only source of goodness in your life. Ask him to help you to notice when you start hoping for good things from false sources.
Do: Make a quick list of 10 good things God has given to you that you will enjoy today, and then take a minute to thank him for each of them.