December 22, 2022 - Psalm 16

Interesting that this psalm of David – in which he testifies, “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places” (16:6) – follows several in which he laments that he lives in evil times, that he has been slandered, that God seems to have forgotten him, and so on. Hear more of David’s testimony: “I have a beautiful inheritance” (6), “because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (8), “my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure” (9), “in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (11).

I am reminded of the time when the nation of Judah, through Isaiah’s words, recounted how God had delivered them and had instructed them, “Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by” (Isaiah 26:20). In the midst of this world and all its troubles and heartaches, there is a resting place for David and for all God’s children. Rightly does Charles Spurgeon write of this Miktam of David: “This is usually understood to mean THE GOLDEN PSALM, and such a title is most appropriate, for the matter is as the most fine gold.”

The Lord before me still

I set, and trust His love;

At my right hand He guards from ill,

And nothing shall me move.

Now gladness fills my soul,

And joy shall be expressed;

My glory shall His name extol,

My flesh in hope shall rest. –J. M. North (1901)