Psalm 16:7-8
I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
It is human nature to make our own plans and then ask God to bless them. Instead we should seek God’s will first. By constantly thinking about the Lord and His way of living, we will gain insights that will help us make right decisions and live the way God desires. Communicating with God allows Him to counsel us and give us wisdom.
By saying that he “will not be shaken,” David was talking about the unique sense of security felt by believers. God does not exempt believers from the day-to-day circumstances of life. Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure at times (Matthew 5:45). Unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose on earth. Those who seek God, however, can move ahead confidently with what they know is right and important in God’s eyes. They know that God will help them from being moved off the chosen path.
Psalm 16 is often called the Messianic psalm because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ’s bodily resurrection (Acts 2:25-28, 31; 13:35-37).
David’s heart was glad – he had found the secret to joy. (Psalm 16:9-10) “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body is also secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles. Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God’s presence withing us. As we contemplate His daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future He has for us, we will experience joy.
