Eternal life in the presence of the Lord

Seeking the face of God is the path of eternal life.¹ Those who seek his presence will find themselves continually striving for and benefiting from the best possible situation in their circumstances. We read:

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. (Psalm 16:8)

There is much more to this scripture than modern translations indicate. Here “before me” is one of the several words we have analyzed in this chapter relating to the presence of God. Coupled with the idiom of the right hand, the author is stating that he always acts as he believes the Lord would in his place. The accompanying promise is also richer than it might otherwise seem. The word “moved” here is translated from a Hebrew word that means to be carried away, cast out, turn out of course, fall into decay, or fall down. Here is a clearer rendition:

I circumscribe my behavior to what I believe the Lord would do in my place, and because I do all that I imagine he would, I will not be overcome, and I cannot go astray. (Psalm 16:8, Author’s Reflection)

The way of God is the way of growth, and his way is narrow.² To turn away from the Lord is to turn away from what is the very best. Any path that leads away from God leads to decay. Turn toward the Lord’s face and enjoy his favor.³