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In the vast and often barren deserts of our lives, where we may encounter trials, loneliness, and despair, Psalm 63:3 reminds us of a profound truth: God’s love surpasses all else. Just as a weary traveler in the desert longs for water to quench their thirst, our souls long for the love of our Heavenly Father.
Life can be demanding, filled with moments of uncertainty and tribulation. Yet, in the midst of it all, the psalmist proclaims that God’s love is better than life itself. This declaration invites us to reflect on our priorities and what we hold most dear. Is it the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world, or is it the enduring and unconditional love of our Creator?
When we realize that God’s love is better than life, it transforms our perspective. It encourages us to seek Him earnestly, not just in times of trouble but in every season of our lives. We are called to glorify Him with our lips, to give voice to our praise and gratitude for His boundless love.
As we journey through the desert of our existence, let us remember that God’s love is our oasis. It is the source of refreshment in times of drought, the anchor in the storms of life, and the guiding light in the darkest of nights. When we prioritize God’s love above all else, we find purpose, fulfillment, and true joy.
In moments of doubt or despair, turn to Psalm 63:3 as a reminder that God’s love is the ultimate treasure, the wellspring of hope, and the reason for our devotion. May our lips resound with praise, for His love is better than life itself, and in Him, we find our true purpose and eternal satisfaction.
Before coming to Oaxaca, Mexico, to work with FFHM’s home for needy children, I lived in Santa Rosa, California. I would occasionally drive by a church with a big sign on it’s front lawn that would always have an encouraging verse displayed. One day I drove by and the verse was Psalm 16:6, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” I loved it! What a creative way to say God has really blessed my life or to say that God loves me and wants me to be happy! King David wrote this Psalm and I can just imagine him riding around the kingdom; the land flowing with milk and honey, fruitful vineyards and orchards, forests, rivers, mountains and seas, and exclaiming, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places!”
My experience has been that in a world filled with fleeting moments of joy and constant pursuit of happiness, we often find ourselves seeking something more enduring. True happiness, it seems, is an elusive state of being that many of us yearn for. However, the words of David in Psalm 16:5-8 offer profound wisdom and guidance on the path to discovering lasting happiness. Let’s take a closer look at these verses and uncover the keys to finding genuine and enduring joy in our lives.
I think the first thing we see is that we should seek fulfillment beyond material possessions: Psalm 16:5 reminds us, “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup.” These words urge us to shift our focus from the accumulation of material wealth and find contentment in a deeper connection with the Divine. Material possessions can bring temporary pleasure, but true happiness lies in nurturing our relationship with God and embracing the spiritual aspects of life. By recognizing that our ultimate fulfillment comes from God, we can escape the endless cycle of consumerism and embrace a more meaningful existence.
We should also consider that gratitude is a pathway to joy: The psalmist continues in verse 6, saying, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” This verse teaches us the importance of gratitude and contentment with our present circumstances. Often, we fixate on what we lack, leading to dissatisfaction and discontentment. However, by adopting an attitude of gratitude, we shift our focus to the blessings and abundance that already surround us. Recognizing the goodness in our lives, no matter how small, cultivates a joyful spirit and opens our hearts to experience the happiness that is sometimes buried within us.
Another profound lesson from this scripture is the importance of trust and surrender. The psalmist declares, “I will not be shaken.” When we place our trust in the Almighty, we relinquish our worries, fears, and anxieties. Surrendering control allows us to find peace in knowing that we are not alone in life’s challenges. It is in this surrender that we discover a profound sense of security and contentment, leading to lasting happiness that transcends the ups and downs of external circumstances.
These verses also remind us to cultivate a life of purpose and meaning: Psalm 16:6 emphasizes the idea of a “delightful inheritance.” To find true happiness, we must explore and embrace our unique purpose in life. Each individual possesses innate talents, passions, and gifts that, when pursued, bring a sense of fulfillment and joy. By aligning our actions and aspirations with our deeper calling, we tap into a wellspring of happiness that goes beyond momentary pleasures. When we live authentically and engage in activities that resonate with our values, we experience a sense of purpose that infuses our lives with genuine happiness.
Psalm 16:5-8 offers timeless wisdom on the pursuit of happiness. It teaches us to shift our focus from material possessions, cultivate gratitude, embrace trust, and live a purpose-driven life. True happiness does not lie in external circumstances but in the depths of our souls. By integrating these principles into our daily lives, we can unlock the door to lasting joy, finding contentment, peace, and fulfillment that transcends the ebb and flow of life’s challenges. May we all strive to live according to these profound truths and discover the happiness that awaits us.
Thursday night, before midnight, my wife, two daughters and myself were rudely
awakened when our apartment complex started shaking. I’m no stranger to earthquakes since I have lived many years in earthquake prone California and Southern Mexico. I told my wife that we were having an earthquake. We have small ones every month or two an it has never been a big deal. This one was a big deal! It kept getting stronger and rocking our house more and more. My daughters, Sally and Kelly, were afraid, especially Sally who sleeps on the top bunk. She made it out of her bed and we all huddled in what I thought was the safest part of the house while tea cups rattled and my wife’s art work tumbled from a shelf onto the floor. Finally, after about a minute it was over. The house stopped shaking, but we were all shaking from the shock of what turned out to be an 8.4 earthquake.
Our house is an apartment that is part of a complex located in Oaxaca, Mexico, where 
dozens of people died as a result of the earthquake. After the temblor I walked around our building to look for damage. There was none. We live at a mission that cares for needy children and are grateful to God that nobody was hurt and there was no damage to the buildings to speak of. Unfortunately, other parts of Mexico suffered much damage as the photos show.
I am the gardener here at the FFHM mission. It is a rather large property and I am constantly battling weeds. I use two lawnmowers, a weed-whacker and a lawn tractor in my struggle against unwanted plants. There are tons of thorns here that puncture tires, especially the lawn tractor tires. Fortunately there is a product that I spray into the tires that seals the punctures. The directions say that the can must be shaken thoroughly for the product to work properly.
Sometimes I think that I need to be shaken thoroughly for me to function properly. The
earthquake did a good job of that. The Bible talks about the importance of being thankful:
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
In life we tend to get complacent, apathetic and take a lot of things for granted. Sometimes God has to shake us up in one way or another to remind us of all the good things we have, and to express our thanks to Him and to others who bless our lives. We can always find things to complain about or dream about how much better things could be. God wants our vision focused on Him. He wants us think about how much He loves us and wants us to be happy, and all the good things He has given us toward that end.
Instead of complaining about what I don’t have, I am full of gratitude for what I do have – citizenship in God’s Happy Kingdom, a loving wife and two super daughters, and fabulous parents who are always there for us. I try to have an attitude of gratitude, but sometimes I need to get all shook up to really appreciate what I have.
To Enjoy God 