April 30th - Reflection

Psalm 16 (NRSV)
Fullness of joy
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you."
As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.


Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Reflection
David hit the nail on the head. God is all that we need. God provides for all of our daily bread, our food, our family, our livelihood, our shelter, all. God provides for all of our needs body, spirit and mind. God gives us spiritual gifts of understanding when we need understanding and love when we need love. God saves us through the Father's Son and forgives our sin. Jesus frees us from sin, death and the devil. The Spirit encourages and teaches us throughout our lives.

David hit the nail on the head. And so did you and so did I. And Jesus forgave us anyway, and he rose from the dead. Christ has risen! He has risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for those times I have betrayed, denied, and nailed you to that cross. Forgive my selfishness and sinfulness. Forgive my words that hurt. Pour into me those fruits of the Spirit that I need the most and send me out into the world to proclaim the love you show on the cross...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen