Read Psalm 16:7-11. 7I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
To have God is to have everything we need. Counsel. Instruction. Stability. Gladness. Security. Eternal Life. Wisdom. Fullness of Joy. Pleasures forevermore.
But how do we experience such bliss? By setting the Lord always before me. For David that meant pitching a tent in his backyard and placing the Ark of the Covenant presence of God in that tent (you can read this story in 1 Chronicles 16). Now the Lord’s throne, the Mercy Seat, was always before David. David could literally be in the presence of God any time he wanted.
In Christ we have become the living tent of David. God’s presence is always before us by the indwelling Spirit of Christ. The glory of God sits on the Mercy Seat of our hearts.
So let me ask you, is the reality of God’s presence changing your life like it did David’s? Are you unshaken? Do you feel secure? Do you fear the corruption of death, or do you hope in the resurrection of Christ? Are you living in the fullness of life? Are you living in Christ’s joy? In his pleasure? Are you glad?
If not, why not? These things are yours for the taking. The path of life has been known to us in Jesus and his resurrection. As Peter pointed out at Pentecost, Jesus is the holy one who never saw corruption. Now, in him, we have become his incorruptible holy ones sharing in his resurrection power.
To live is Christ sets the presence of God in our hearts. Are you experiencing the joy and pleasure of his presence? Set him before you. Pitch the tent. Let the quiet of the night open your heart to his instructions. Behold your God in the beauty of his tabernacle and be forever changed.
You: In general, are you joyful?
You in Christ: In Christ you live in the presence of God. Is that a joyful thought for you? A sobering thought? A frightening thought?
Christ in you: Are you setting the Lord before you? How can you live moment by moment aware of the joyful presence of God in you?
Pray: Father, you are the path of life to me. You are my joy and pleasure. My security and stability. Instruct me today in your path of life, the path of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
To Live is Christ 