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Psalm 16:7-11 (Common English Bible)
7 I will bless the Lord who advises me;
even at night I am instructed
in the depths of my mind.
8 I always put the Lord in front of me;
I will not stumble because he is on my right side.
9 That’s why my heart celebrates and my mood is joyous;
yes, my whole body will rest in safety
10 because you won’t abandon my soul to Sheol;
you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit.
11 You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.
Summary:
This two-week worship series, themed “A.P.I.D.T.G.” (All Praise Is Due To God), is inspired by the Jay Electronica and Jay-Z song “A.P.I.D.T.A” from their new album, A Written Testimony, and the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Book of Psalms.
A.PI.D.T.A. (All Praise Is Due To Allah) was created in grief the night of Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant’s death. In this song, Jay Elect rhymes “I go to my Lord quietly, teardrops on our faces… it’s like teardrops become waterfalls by the time they reach my (shoe)laces.” He seeks divine comfort in the midst of his grief. In the Psalms, Sheol refers to the netherworld or the realm of the dead. The Psalmist praises God for rescuing her from Sheol.
In the midst of COVID-19, we are surrounded by Sheol, but by faith, God will instruct our minds, help us stand and rest is safety.
Reflection Questions:
- What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What does this scripture teach you about safety?
- What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?