Joy And Security

Psalm 16

Our psalm this week is one that King David wrote.  In it he expresses believers view and outlook of trust and faith in God, both in life (vs. 1-8) and in death (vs. 9-11).  Despite everything that David went through during his life - the wars he fought in, death threats from enemies, betrayals from both friends and family, and the general stresses of his position - he trusted in God.  He knew that his well-being was entirely dependent upon God (vs. 2).

Do you look forward to receiving an inheritance?  Some people may receive money or property when an elderly relative dies, while others may receive no inheritance from anyone.  Scripture doesn’t say much about David’s parents or family, or how financially secure they were, but we know he had several older brothers who would likely be more in line to receive any inheritance.  We also know that his father, Jesse, didn’t take David much into account, failing to even include him when Samuel asked for all of the sons (I Samuel 16:5, 11).  David didn’t worry about whether or not he would get an earthly inheritance.  He knew that God was his inheritance (vs.5-6) .  He would provide David with everything he needed here on earth, and so much more in heaven.  An earthly inheritance may be a big disappointment, and can cause rifts in families, even destroying relationships.  God’s inheritance, for those who trust in Him, is always a good one.

In spite of how busy and active his life was, David spent time pondering and thinking about God and His Word (vs. 7).  He found that one of the best times to think of God and His faithfulness was when going to sleep.  When it’s quiet, such as bedtime, it is easier to focus on God and to hear Him.  If we are going to walk with the Lord, we must also be listening to Him.  Do we have some decisions to make?  Some people tend to make their own plans, and then ask God to bless them.  Rather, we should seek God first, for His will.  Pray and meditate on God and His ways.  He will help us make those right decisions.

No matter what David faced, he felt secure in the Lord (vs. 8). Believers in the Lord Jesus can have that same sense of security. We are not spared from the regular day-to-day circumstances that everyone faces.  Neither was David. Unbelievers, when faced with trials and problems, often have a sense of hopelessness about life. Believers can have confidence that God is guiding and leading them with His hand.  The way we view circumstances that we go through is more important than the circumstances themselves (Philippians 4:11).  God can give us contentment in all circumstances.

David had found the secret to joy (vs. 9).  True joy is deeper than happiness. We can have joy in spite of deep troubles.  Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances.  Joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence with us.  God’s daily presence will give us contentment.  We have joy because of the future He has for us.  Our life should be based on God, not on whatever we are going through.  David realized this, and could sing God’s praises everyday, in spite of war, threats, and betrayal.

Verse 10 of our psalm is a prophetic one, one that prophesied the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  This verse was quoted by the Apostle Peter in his first great sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25-36).  David had died, and his body was buried, where it eventually decayed.  That happens to everyone. Jesus, though, did not see corruption, as He was raised from the dead on the third day. That was a key point in Peter’s first sermon, which saw three thousand people accept Jesus as their Savior that day.

Do we want to be full of joy? (vs. 11).  Pour out all of “self” from our lives, so that we are an empty vessel for God to pour His anointing into us.  No matter what we are going through, know that God is with us.