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Psalms 16 Commentary

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David turns to the Lord for his safety and refuge and acknowledges that the only path to true safety is in the Lord.

Our situations and circumstances may seem difficult or confusing, but God is always at work in our life and we can take comfort and be at peace knowing it is God that is directing our lives.

David is focused on the Lord and through that focus he experiences the continual presence and instruction of the Lord. His refuge in the Lord also comes through this focus.

Our heart is glad and we rejoice, not so much in earthly things or as a result of our circumstances, but because of who God is and what He will do. We can trust Him to lead us and make His will and His presence known to us, which will bring us the fullness of joy.


David calls out to the Lord to preserve him, to keep him safe in whatever he faces in life. He focuses on the Lord; that He is his refuge and that God alone is the source of all good. David will not look to other gods and will worship the Lord God and keep Him always before him. The Lord is the One who draws the boundary lines of our life and even if sometimes it seems too difficult or not where we want to be, God will support us and bring us through it.

We are to listen when the Lord speaks and counsels us; thus we are to continually be aware of His presence and His guidance and take confidence that His presence is always with us. We have a heritage and inheritance that go beyond this life. Even through difficult times, we can trust the Lord to guide us and give us continual joy in His presence.