Psalm 16

Song of Trust and Security in God

A Miktam of David.

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.

4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.

10 For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

11 You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

via Psalm 16:6 (NRSV) – Biblia.com.

Why does it seem that so many who succeed in life do so by nefarious means? The old saying, “Nice guys finish last” is proven every day. Those of us who follow Jesus find ourselves taking on the “nice guy” role. There are things that we just won’t do. It can be temping though. When we realize that if we just take some shortcuts and do something that is morally questionable things would go easier, it is difficult to stay faithful to our calling or remember what life would be like without God’s presence.

It is easy to forget what life would be like without God’s presence when questionable success is so visible. We go from activity to activity, skimming the surface of life, never reflecting on how God’s presence surrounds us and brings us all good. David didn’t forget.

After a petition for protection, David reflects on all that God means to him. He says that he has no good apart from God. God is his portion, gives him counsel, and even instructs his heart at night. He recognizes that he will not be moved because God is always before him. David breaks out in praise because his heart is glad, his soul rejoices, and his body rests secure. God shows him the path of life and in God’s presence he finds fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

David realizes that there are some who do not choose to follow God. He writes that those who have other gods multiply their sorrows. He understands what it means to abide in God’s presence. God is his refuge and protection, bringing him a good.

I wonder how different life would be if I could just remember these things. How would today be different if I continued to remind myself of all God has done and is doing. God brings good into my life. He gives me rest, joy, and refuge. I praise him for he is my portion and all that I need.