This Psalm boosts my spirits. Why? Because I have a tendency to worry, to wonder why by bosses speak down to me, to obsess about potential illnesses . . . the list goes on forever.
This Psalm starts by reminding us that when we have troubles, our first line of defense should be God. I tend to yell, bang on things, exercise, sleep – anything to alleviate my frustrations – anything, that is, but go to God. Why? Stupidity, I guess. As my pastor put it this last Sunday, God should always be our first line of defense.
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord . . .
Psalm 16:1 (ESV)
The Psalm ends with the same type of reminder, with a little different twist. Not only should God be our first line of defense, but in Him we will discover eternal life.
11You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
If we trust God and know Him, He will show us the path of life. David knew this, and Scripture affirms it. God will reveal Himself to us if we seek Him.
21Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.
Having a consistent refuge and access to eternal life seems like a no-brainer to me. Choose life.