March 3

Not Left to Perish

For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. — Ps 16:10 BSB

This verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Lord Jesus, but it also applies, in a broader sense, to all who are in Him. Our souls will not be left in the grave, and our bodies, though they may decay, will rise again. The general meaning of this passage, rather than its specific application, is what we should consider today.

We may descend in spirit very low, feeling as though we’ve plunged into the depths of despair; but we will not be left there. We may feel as though we are at death’s door in heart, soul, and mind; but we will not remain there. Our inward death, regarding joy and hope, may seem to progress very far, but it will not reach the point of utter despair. We may go very low, but never lower than the Lord permits; we may stay in the darkest dungeon of doubt for a time, but we will not perish there. Even when the night is blackest, the star of hope is still in the sky. The Lord will not forget us or hand us over to the enemy. Let us rest in hope. We serve a God whose mercy endures forever. Out of death, darkness, and despair, we will rise again to life, light, and liberty.