Joy to the World (Psalm 16)

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;

you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen or me in pleasant places;

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

~ Psalm 16:5-6

In Psalm 16, David makes two claims: that he has chosen God to be his only good (v. 1), and that doing so has brought him joy beyond measure. Reading David’s words makes me stop and question myself. Like David, I have chosen God to be the aim of my life, but do I always let that fact sink in? If not, I should follow David’s example. I should remember that God is my refuge (v. 1), he instructs me in his ways, and he is always present with me (v. 7-8). He has saved me through Jesus and given me the path to life, an opportunity to to know him and be in his presence (v. 11). Remembering these things, I should give thanks. And, like David, my thankfulness for God’s eternal goodness to me should bring me to joy.

So, let’s let joy direct our attitudes and lives this Christmas season. Let’s allow God to “light up our eyes” with his “steadfast love,” guiding us to see and be aware of his unconditional love for us, a love that causes us to “rejoice in [God’s] salvation.” Let each of us be able to wholeheartedly sing, “joy to the world, the Lord has come,” and “he has dealt bountifully with me.”

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Silas is a sophomore at Columbia College and the Treasurer for the Witness. He enjoys playing piano and reading philosophy.