Preserve 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.” (Psalm 16:1-2)
I’ve been pondering this week’s verse for a while. “I have no good apart from you.”
What is good? How is good defined in this verse? Thank goodness for my handy dandy reference bible! I also looked at The Message Bible and other translations. Here’s how my reference bible translated that verse: “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.“
I see two ways of looking at the verse – and I can use both interpretations in my day to day life.
Good is a two way street. God is good to me. And because God is good, I am inspired to reflect goodness back on the world.
I also see this verse reminding me that if I encounter something or someone who is good, they are part of God. And I should honor and praise that every single time.
I read a story once about an American woman who had an Indian woman (from India) stay with her. She was amazed at how the woman ate. Every bite was treasured. She didn’t wolf down her food, instead she took joy in every single bite. She knew each bite was a gift from God and wanted to honor Him. (side note: remember that episode of Star Trek: Next Generation where we meet Deanna Troi’s mother? And every time she takes a bite of food her servant rings a bell? I always laughed at that. But now I wonder if I could find someone to remind me to praise God with every bite by ringing a bell for me.)
My goal for this week is to remember how good God is. How blessed I am to be His. God is good. All that is good comes from Him. (Psst – that includes each one of us. How incredible is that???)
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me how good you are. Thank you for reminding me that I should praise you all the day and night and be thankful for all you have given to me. You are amazing in your goodness. I am blessed. Help me reflect your goodness back on the world in all I say and do. Amen.