My Kidney Rejoices

Psalm 16:8-11 (ESV)

8 I have set the Lord always before me;

    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being[a] rejoices;

    my flesh also dwells secure.

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

    or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;

    in your presence there is fullness of joy;

    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Sara, age 7, had recently memorized Psalm 23. She asked her mom, “Why is your friend Shirley going to follow me around for my entire life?” Of course, she was referring to Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” I am pretty sure her mom had a belly laugh at that comment!

Have you ever noticed that laughter is designed for relationship? It’s often a lot more fun to laugh and experience joy with others, rather than while we are alone. In the verses we read today, the psalmist declares God to be his guide. God goes before him and serves as his guide. He guides the psalmist along a secure path. Due to this security, he can declare, “I will not be shaken.”

He can sing out with a heart that is glad and tongue that rejoices! The literal word for “tongue” here is “kidney.” In that culture, the kidneys represented the inner indicators of emotion. No matter how it’s translated, the psalmist was filled with joy because He was secure in His God. He knows God will not abandon him and will continue leading him along a secure path. This results in great joy!

Where do you find your security? Can you say along with the psalmist that your eyes are always on the Lord and you will not be shaken? Can you say that God fills you with joy? When we have God in our lives, do those insecurities and fears melt away? No, but we are empowered to find joy as we walk with Him through the hard times of life.

It is through the relationship with God that we find true joy!

Dear Lord, thank You for being the author of real joy. Help us to put our security in You and enjoy the Joy that You give. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.