Perfection Ahead
Opening Prayer
On this Lord’s Day, ask the Lord to speak to you in a special way through his Word.
Read Psalm 16:1-11
[1]A miktam of David. Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. [2] I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” [3] I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” [4] Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips. [5] LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. [6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. [7] I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. [8] I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, [10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. [11] You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why is the psalmist so happy and full of praise?This psalm is a miktam or Golden Psalm–a precious one. A miktam only occurs six times in the Scriptures. Each time it’s a psalm of David. Here, David refers to tough times as he runs to his only place of refuge (1,2). Years ago, my husband and I experienced tough times while ministering in Rhodesia during its bloody transition into Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, it was our most thrilling period of ministry because the people saw their need for God: Bible studies were well attended; prayer was frequent and intense. As a result, people turned their hearts to the Lord. David confirms his relationship with God (5), and glorifies him (6,7). David has absolute confidence in his life after death (10). He knows he will share an eternal future with God’s Holy One–clearly referring to Christ. In the Old Testament, if sacrifices were insufficient to grant salvation, how were people saved? They didn’t yet have Jesus. Here’s the answer: David “saw” the path to eternal life (11) through faith–not through sacrifices, but by faith in the One they pointed to. Abraham, David and all the Old Testament saints were assured of one day entering God’s presence through faith. So are we (Rom. 4:3; Gen. 15:6).
Apply
What tough times do you face? Give them to the One who is beyond them, and keep your faith strong.
Closing prayer
Lord, when times get tough, help me to trust in You. I know that You are worthy of my trust.
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