“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.”
Psalm 16:8-10
Psalm 16 is one of my most favorite Psalms. It had an extra special significance to me when I read it this morning.
Family is a touchy subject with me. My childhood was difficult and as a result I do not feel safe with or loved by many of my blood relatives. I have found a home with my husband’s family and I have built my own home now with him and our children.
In addition to these, I have the family that God has given me within His children, especially those in my local church body. They are such a part of my security that it is very difficult for me when people leave, or threaten to leave, in anger.
I get hurt, frightened, and even angry myself. I feel like nothing is safe again. I find myself in terror of something I felt so often as a child: abandonment.
In the recent turmoil of my heart, it was such a blessing to read these verses in Psalm 16.
“You will not abandon my soul…”
Humans will fail you. Blood bonds are not strong enough to save you from hurt and abuse. And even what should be the strongest bond, that of spiritual rebirth into God’s family, will fail because humans are still imperfect, even once they are renewed by the spirit.
But my God will not abandon my soul. He sees me suffering. He knows my fear. He guides me from a place of anger and pain into acceptance and trust.
Praise the LORD for his faithfulness. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, He will not abandon my soul.
Rachel Svendsen 
“He knows my fear. He guides me from a place of anger and pain into acceptance and trust”
This was such a comfort to read. I’ve been sharing with God recently about realizing I genuinely consider someone a best friend and how it scared me. I’ve had friends consider me a best friend but it didn’t feel we were and it would come to an end. It’s made it feel safer with me and God. I think with my own family trauma, getting close and staying close feels scary. I really relate with the getting scared with the threats and anger – I’ve seen that in my own family. I don’t know what I’m trying to say except thank you for sharing that God understands our fears but also wants to bring healing to us.
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Relationships can be so hard, especially when we’ve been badly hurt before. I’m so glad my sharing encouraged you. God sees and knows. ❤
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