Psalm 16

Psalm 16:1-11 (ESV) A Miktam of David. Preserve 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 saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. [4] The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips. [5] The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. [6] The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. [7] I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. [8] I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. [9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. [10] For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. [11] You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.


Once again we encounter a Psalm of David during a time of trouble. What a blessing it must have been to David to know he could turn to God in the midst of the roughest circumstances. What a blessing for us that we can too.

While David is looking to God, he is also looking at God as his sufficiency. Look at the terms he uses of God – refuge, no good apart from you, my chosen portion, my cup, counsel, at my right hand, secure. Oh that we would learn to see that we have all we need in God. That we would see Him as sufficient and supreme.

David again see the contrast of the righteous and the wicked in verse 4. Here they are, who have the living God, running after another god. What awaits them? Not the joy David frequently speaks of in this and other Psalms. No! They will find sorrows.

Of course the significance of verse 10 can not be overlooked. “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” David likely had his own demise in mind, asking God to spare him from the grave. But David speaks prophetically of Christ Jesus who would not remain in the grave, but raise from the dead in all in His glory and triumph, declaring Himself to be the Son of God and Savior of all who will believe on His name.

What ought we pray for? (1) Pray for those among us who need to find refuge in God from the harsh situations of their lives. (2) Pray for those facing the deteriorating health of loved one (3) Pray that we would be satisfied with Our God. (4) Pray that we would long for the day of being in His presence.