As covid continues to stalk our streets and ravages our wellbeing, where do we find relief?

How can we lighten up as we are saddled with the daily chores of WFH and the anxieties of a medical treatment? When our spirits run dry, our nerves ragged, our mind numb?

Entertainment is good. But after that TV show, then what?

Shall we flitter away irredeemable time with social media? (I’m raising my hand right now: guilty!)

David was in a valley he wrote Psalm 16. He could have tried to forget his woes thru wine, warfare or women. But he did not. He chose to seek refuge in God (v 1), and made God his only good (v 2). He reminds us that in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy (v 11).

David did not seek God for what He can do for him, but for Himself! He wanted God to be his inheritance (v 5-6). Imagine an infinite, holy God offering Himself as the prized treasure of a finite, sinful man. What an outpouring of divine love!

Could it be that we forget to enjoy God, simply because we forget who God is? We can be swept by our busy routines or pressing worries that we neglect to carve out time with God. To be unhurried in His presence. To relish His goodness. To fall in love with God… all over again.

Many of us have tasted sleepless nights during times of trouble. Our minds would torment us — recycling fears, hatching schemes — as we toss and turn in bed.

But as we make God our counselor, He will guide even our thoughts at night (v 7). What’s more, He’ll also go before us. Even before the next problem-laden day arrives at dawn, He is already there and thus we will not be shaken (v 8).

David exclaimed, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices, my flesh also will dwell securely” (v 9). He was so secure in God’s goodness that even as we walk through a seemingly lonely and scary future, yes, even while the pandemic blankets us, He shepherds us until we finally meet Him face to face.

David’s circumstances did not change. The problems were still there. But God made the difference. He did not merely pump David up with joy. God is David’s joy.

I have a confession to make. I’m not yet where David was. But the journey is there. It starts with our hearts. And it starts today.

Take time out and go back to the presence of God. As we rediscover Him, joy will spring anew in our hearts. We will find rest for our soul. “In Thy presence there is fullness of joy, in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.”

God waits for you patiently, whispering, “I’m all yours. Be all Mine.”

Be His. Be all His.