You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures. (Psalm 16:11)

This is where truth stops informing and starts transforming. Psalm 16 isn’t disconnected  theological excerpt, it’s a window into David’s heart and mind as he finds rest in God Himself.

David understood what Eden hinted at: the human soul was not designed for endless striving, but for intimate, peaceful presence. His words are the language of trust born from experience: “You are my Lord; I have nothing good besides You.” (v. 2)

This is what Day 3, The Heart, is designed for in each week's readings; to provide space to slow down and let the truth and reality of the Story and Worldview from the previous days sink in and begin to transform our own hearts and minds into the image of Jesus.

David reminds us that real joy, the kind that heals the wounded places from our own pursuit of performance and accomplishment is only found in Him; the only One who truly satisfies.

Most of our discipleship fatigue comes from confusing effort with nearness. We try to:
  • obey without intimacy
  • serve without presence
  • experience without awe

But Eden, and Psalm 16, reminds us that before humanity worked for God, humanity walked with God. Spiritual formation isn’t the grind of self‑improvement; it’s the gradual transformation that grows from abiding in His presence ... in His nearness.

God created Eden as a place for humanity to be with Him and the Heavenly Hosts, serving as a "home base" or "earthly throne room" from which the whole world would be blessed as we advance His Kingdom Rule to its uttermost parts. It signals His intense desire to be in relationship with us and for His desire for us to depend on Him for our every need.

But that didn't die in Eden. As the study moves forward we will see how Jesus has restored this shared presence, renewing our call to our Holy vocation as His ambassadors ... as His family.

Here is where some quiet reflection can open the door for His grace to do its quiet work; where discipleship moves from information to transformation ... from the head to the heart ... from blindly doing to abiding.

Spend some time thinking about how (or if) you fellowship with God. Ask Him to draw you close and back to simple fellowship, simple abiding. Ask him to heal your hurried heart and for Him to teach you how to delight in His presence.

It's the way He's always intended it to be.