Psalm 16 – Doug’s Version

1. Protect me, my God, for I refuse to protect myself. Keep me safe in your presence, as you always have. I trust you.
2. You are my King, and your kingdom is all I long for. There is nothing in this world that satisfies. I have searched for goodness here, and behind every potential life-giving thing, I always and only find You.
3. I delight in your people. Are there any who aren’t amazing? Because they reflect your beauty, your love, the richness and fullness of your presence.
4. I have run after other things: distractions, ambitions, escapes. They just make it worse. Because my problem is not my problem. My heart longs for you alone, belongs to you alone. The world wars against the Spirit, ripping me from you.
5. But you alone are my reward. Being with you in your suffering and glory is my destiny. Nothing can keep me from your intimate, overflowing, boundless, eternal, personal, deep love.
6. You have given me the best life ever. I love my wife and kids. I have great friends and coworkers. I get to help bring the gospel to nations. Dream job. More than I could ask for or imagine. Nowhere near what I deserve.
7. You are wonderful beyond description. You talk to me every day, letting me know what you’re up to and how I can participate. You show me things every night that blow my mind. I live surrounded by the wisdom of your Spirit.
8. You are always in my thoughts. Even when I purposely ignore you, I am fully aware of your presence, your patience and your love. When I focus on you, I am unstoppable, as I live in you.
9. Time after time you fill me with joy when I’m least expecting it. I wake up joyful. I get hit with joy in the middle of the day. I find myself singing. I am filled with peace that doesn’t make sense. I am secure in you.
10. I am not afraid of death, at least I don’t think so. And I’m barely afraid of suffering, because you have been so faithful to me. I believe in eternal life through Jesus. I will not be afraid. You will raise me from the grave.
11. In answer to my prayers you have filled my mind with patterns and processes that bring life to people. I am so thankful that I can be helpful. But more than that, so much more than that, I am full of joy because you’re with me. You are my eternal pleasure. I love you.

Try it yourself! Pick a passage and make it yours.