a href=”http://www.ilmaarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/barrie-visit-2011-412.jpg”>August 16
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PSALM 16 IN GOD’S PRESENCE THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also, my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:1-11
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
My Lord, I run to you for safety; you preserve me
I am nothing apart from your love and righteousness
Without your presence, life is full of troubles and darkness
It is only by your Spirit that we can have joy in fullness.
Because I have set the Lord always before me
I shall not grumble, crave for worldly things or live in discontent
The Lord gives me wisdom and leads me in the right direction
Without his guidance, I will perish and live in chaos and confusion.
My Lord is true to his word, he will never abandon his people
He makes me know the path to life and gives me his blessings
Therefore, my heart is joyful and my whole being rejoices
I shall worship the Lord all the days of my life; I shall sing him praises.
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REFLECTION
• Can someone who doesn’t know or serve God have a fullness of joy? Why or why not?