The following is a part of our weekly devotional series, which is a companion to the 2013 Foursquare Life Journal. This week’s Bible reading comes from Exodus 21 – 36; Psalms 12, 14 and 16; and Acts 4 – 10.
Psalm 16 includes frequent references to the coming Messiah, but the core message of that Psalm is an expression of David’s rejoicing because of his walk with his Lord.
David told of a safe place when he cried, “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust” (v. 1, NKJV). The person who trusts in God will never be ashamed. David also proclaimed God as his Lord, claiming nothing of his own goodness. He refused to be involved in the worship of other gods.
I am reminded of Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” David rejoiced in the fact that God delights in His children, in those who declare Him Lord.
Then David stated his position as God’s child—and what a position it is! The child of God abides in a “place” of blessing: God leads us “in green pastures,” “by still water” (Ps. 23) and “in pleasant places” (Ps. 16:6).
David’s heart overflowed in worship as he blessed the Lord, who gave him counsel, even in the darkest nights of life. And like David, who of us has not known God in the dark hours of life? He is there. David said, “I have set the Lord always before me,” in a place of honor. “Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved” (Ps. 16:8). David demonstrated for all of us how to live in a place of blessing. It is a place of joy and gladness!
I can almost hear David singing as he said, “My heart is glad … my flesh also will rest in hope” (v. 9). What precious words those are in a world that offers no hope! Confident in his future, David concluded with assurance in the promises of God. He wrote, “You will show me the path of life” (v. 11).
David knew he would never be alone.
And then he revealed a secret that is evident in so many of his psalms—”In Your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (v.11).
David knew the joy of practicing the presence of God, every day and every hour, truly living in a place of blessing. We can know it, too.
By: Carolyn Nichols, senior pastor of Southport Christian Center (National City Foursquare Church) in National City, Calif.
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