You Are My Inheritance, O God
Psalm 16’s song of trust offers comfort and hope as we consider final judgment awaiting us. The three verses we sing have a rich message. Our God is perfectly just and merciful and holds us safe. As the psalm underwent development through frequent use in temple liturgies, an understanding of life after death in the eternal presence of God emerged. Psalm 16 was one of the first psalms early Christians interpreted as referring to Christ, seeing a clear resurrection theme. The images of cup and portion are symbols of God’s providence. And, life is a journey to the ultimate fullness of joy in God’s presence.
God, you measure out my portion, the shape of my future.
I am sure God is here, right beside me. I cannot be shaken.
So my heart rejoices, my body thrills with life, my whole being rests secure.
You will not abandon me to Sheol, nor send your faithful one to death.
You show me the road to life: boundless joy at your side for ever!
[Verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]