“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee; But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalm 16 (KJV)
Consider the musings of the Psalmist. He has committed his life to Jehovah and considers his commitment. Let me paraphrase his musings in a 21st century Christian mindset. “Preserve me for I trust you.” Note verse 2 from the NLT: “You are my master. All the good things I have are from you.” Then back to paraphrasing: “But the holy people in the earth are the noble ones who are my heroes. Sorrows will be heaped upon those who run after another god. But I will neither drink offerings to those gods nor mention their names.” Note the commitment here.
“Jehovah is my inheritance and blessing. You keep me safe.” This psalmist has chosen Jehovah and knows the security of his choice.
In verse 6, the concept of the “lines are fallen” is a reference to survey lines in portioning out one’s section of inherited land. “My portion of the inheritance is wonderful. I have a good heritage.” This is a man who recognizes his place in God and is satisfied with God’s blessings upon him. No grumbling about how small his acreage. He thinks it is wonderful! No complaining about the geographical placement of his land. He thinks it is wonderful! He is content in knowing that he has a portion of the inheritance. There is something to be said for contentment. Dissatisfaction and gluttony are worldly concepts.
So, let’s praise God. “I will bless the Lord for his guidance. I have decided to follow Jehovah and because he walks with me, I shall not be moved.”
“Therefore, I am happy and rejoice. Even my body shall rest in hope because you will not leave my soul in the grave nor permit your Holy One to be destroyed. You will lead me in the path of life. Your presence fills me with joy. Your “right hand” (strength, power) provides eternal salvation.”
Dear Father, thank you for our inheritance through Jesus Christ. We praise you for your blessings to us. Empower us with contentment and rejoicing. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the security of God’s presence,