Reading 5 Psalms/day is good for my heart.  Sometimes I listen while I’m doing something else.  Sometimes I listen and read while exercising.  I like reading Psalms in bed.  I like reading them in the morning.  When I read in the afternoon, as I just did, I worry that I’m not learning enough from them.  Should I memorize them?  What is the difference to my “whole being” as David says here, if I take notes, read it 4 times, listen to a sermon about it, and read 2 commentaries regarding it?  If you look at my blog much you know that I think a lot about mentoring.  I do this because it is an essential component of who I am; my mentors, good and bad, have shaped me.  Zack uses this word a lot, and I have appreciated growing to understand the role and to think about its implications.  Especially concerning the with-God life and my goal of submission to God as Father and Mentor.

I am reading the Psalms so that they will mentor my soul (and my flesh, and my heart as David says towards the end of this Psalm).

Learning is good.  Singing Psalms is good, in church and alone.  The language is freeing as the various authors cry out to God, offer their understanding of His Glory in light of their life and the ways they experience the world.

There are a lot of references to God’s promises in Psalm 16.  The tone is ‘oriented’ on God and his good Glory, David’s joy in God is clear and thorough.  I am having a fine day myself.  It isn’t spectacular, but not tragic either (like most of our days right?).  I’m thankful for David’s words here, reminding me of the side of authenticity that comes out in praise and acknowledgement of the Glory of God in one’s soul.  In his soul.  In my soul.

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.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
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.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
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