Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 6, 8-10, 14, 16
Devotional Thought:
Title: “The Lord is the Foundation and Focus of our Trust”
In Psalm 16, David prays passionately unto the Lord. “Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.” David is not crying out to God because of any specific danger as he does in other Psalms; however, he is communicating his need for God’s constant care and leadership in his life. He wants to please the Lord as he seeks to honor Him and enjoy the good things God has to offer him. Scholars believe that this psalm was written just after God told David that he would have an enduring throne that would culminate in the person of Jesus Christ. David was humbled by God’s goodness and grace. “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.” (vs. 6) David broadcasts that his greatest joy is the relationship and fellowship that he enjoyed with the Lord. The counsel of the Lord brought blessing and the security of that counsel brought joy through the night seasons. What is it that gives you the greatest joy? What produces your greatest security during the trials of life? David said, “I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” (vs. 8) Too many people trust themselves and their own understanding. They rely upon their own experiences, expertise, and education. They refuse to set the Lord before them as their standard, superiority, and strength. David enjoyed great blessing and joy as He elevated the Lord to His rightful position in his life. The last few verses of this great chapter are prophetic as it relates to Jesus Christ. David’s faith was in the God of his salvation. He was completely confident that he would enjoy heaven, in perfect fellowship and harmony, with the Lord forever. “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” (vs. 9) David’s faith was in the coming Messiah who would be born perfect, live perfect, and die as the perfect, legitimate, payment for his sinful condition. “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is the fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (vs. 11) Like David, we too need the leadership of God in our lives. All that we need for eternal life is found in Christ. He is the answer to man’s sin problem. He is also all that we need for direction, fulfillment, and joy in this life. David warns in verse four that those who trust in anything other than Christ, their sorrows shall be multiplied. Oh how we see that today. May we learn from David and realize that our only joy and ultimate blessing comes through a growing and maturing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Personal Prayer Request:
- Lord, please help me to submit myself to your ultimate leadership in my life. I desire to grow into your likeness and mature in my understanding and relationship with you.
- Lord, thank you for loving me, leading me, and blessing me beyond measure. Thank you for giving me salvation, the Holy Spirit, the word of God, my amazing wife Michelle, my boys and Taylor, my loving church, and so many friends.
- Lord, please help me to always recognize that you are enough for me. Thank you for all that I am and have in Christ.