From Psalm 16

5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, [c] nor will you let your Holy One [d] see decay.
11 You have made [e] known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.



A few Sundays ago, when my father-in-law was first admitted to the hospital, (several days before we learned of his cancer), one of our Pastors came for a visit and a prayer. Pastor Bill read the above verses from Psalm 16 followed by a beautiful prayer. I was talking w/ my niece later that evening and she told me that while Pastor was praying she opened her eyes to soak in what was going on around the room... I admitted I had done the same. We actually focused on Grandpa (as I referto him when I am speaking w/ my nieces). He was lying in his hospital bed, chin lifted w/ the most beautiful smile on his face. Trusting his life completely to the Lord. Knowing and being secure that whatever happens - the Lord would always be with him.

I have read many times over the past weeks these verses. I have focused on vv 9-11 - Oh the joy of total security in the Lord! In the life we enjoy on this earth. The life we enjoy the gracious provision and care of God, we can also rest secure knowing that even when flesh and heart fail God will not abandon us to the grave. We can be secure knowing we have the assurance that even the grave cannot rob us of life! Eternal life! None of us know when the day will be when the Lord calls us home. As we live this earthly life - preparing for heaven, may each of you rest assured the the Lord will not abandon you, will always be with you - from now through eternity. I have been given a gift. While peeking during a prayer... I saw the face of a man who has lived many, many years on this earth. A man who's complete trust is in the Lord. A man who has the assurance that even the grave cannot rob him of life! Glory be to God!