I am really excited about what I read in God’s Word today. In Psalm 16, David is getting his praise on. He proclaims the Lord as his Master. I was thinking, as I read his words, my life would be a whole lot better if I woke up every morning declaring Jesus as Master and not myself. He deserves to be Lord and a lot of times in my messiness I claim lordship when I know without any doubt I am not lord.

Here is what David proclaims, “Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” Everything good! Are you breathing this morning? That’s good. Did you make it to work? That’s good. Will you be able to see your family at your home this evening? That’s good. Everything good comes from Him. So many times we focus in on what is “bad” and we forget about the good. Can we focus on the good today? Can you say with David, “Every good thing I have comes from you (the Lord)?” I know I can today.

Also, who has God placed in your life who you can call a hero? I have men and women that I have been blessed to meet throughout my life who have definitely encouraged me in my journey. David says, “The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!” One man I consider a hero would be Redmond Coyle. I will never forget the times he drove to my home in Pickens and picked me to take me to Clemson home games. He was an avid fan and I think some of his fanaticism rubbed off on me and I very grateful for that.

I also won’t forget his generosity. He walked with Amy and I as we adopted our son Isaac. He provided his services to us and told us we would not pay him back because he loved and cared for our family. I will remember conversations we had about God’s Word. He was a man who knew the Bible inside and out and I would hang on everything he shared with me. Redmond loved his Lord and his family until his life was tragically taken too soon. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to know this great man. I can say Redmond Coyle was one of my heroes. Who are your heroes? Do you have any people who you look up to?

David continues to keep the praise going all throughout this Psalm. He says, “Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.” What is shaking you today?

I know I do not have to ask this question, but has there ever been something that has shaken you to the core? I mean shaken you to the point of quitting everything related to the Lord? I have been there. I have even questioned everything I have done and everything I am doing. When you walk through the valley of death, especially with your child, there are a lot of questions. I stood at the pinnacle of throwing in the towel, but I remembered my heroes. I remembered Redmond and the other men and women in my life. With their lives they were telling me, “Don’t quit!”

David was still facing death from his son. David was still being chased like an animal, but he chose to praise his God. I am sure he questioned a God who would put him in a place like this in his life. Some think the guys and ladies in Scripture are super human, but they are like you and me. However, in his running and hiding, David said, “My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

David said, “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Why, when David looked at quitting, did he not quit? Why have I not quit? There is joy in Him. I really love the word joy. In John 17:26, Jesus prays that we would have the capacities to love and enjoy the Son with the very love and joy of the Father.” John 15:11 says, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” Tertullian said, “The Christian saint is hilarious. The closer one comes to God, the more joy is experienced. Joy based not on circumstances or passing emotion but the joy of the Lord that comes from knowing Him.”

David also spoke of spending eternity with the Lord forever. He knew the troubles he was facing on earth would only be temporary. If you have been rocked to the core, know it is only for a short season. The song, When We See Christ says, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ; one glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase, so bravely run the race till we see Christ.” Can you sing that chorus today? Yes, I know life can be hard. I know we sometimes fall. But remember, you are talking to a guy who is a mess and if I can give you some advice, it will be worth it all.

So get your praise on today! The joy of the Lord is our strength and always keep looking up because our Savior is coming. Run the race until we see Him!