Overflowing Joy 2

The aim of this devotional study is to grow in longing anticipation and experience of God’s joy.

Scripture

Psalm 16:1-11

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

6 The [boundary] lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Observation and reflection

Note: In Acts 2:25-29 Peter quotes v8-11 of this Psalm with reference to Christ’s resurrection.

Read through the Psalm again and mark all the references to positive emotions or experiences the Psalmist records that he has with or because of God. Then summarize these benefits in your own words.
Now note all the negative emotions or experiences the Psalmist describes outside of God’s presence or preservation. Explain why they experience these emotions.
Record how many ways the Psalmist records (a) security and (b) joy in this Psalm. How dies that tie in with the conclusion of the Psalm (v11)?

Application and prayer

Knowing that God is the one who gave him what he has in life and God is the one who guides him through this life, the Psalmist finds pleasure and security in God alone.

Look at the benefits of those who serve God in points 1 above (and what he protects us from in point 2 above) and thank God for those benefits he promises.
Can you honestly say with the Psalmist “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you” ? (v2) Search your heart and talk to God about what you delight in – then surrender the delight in your heart to Him only. Ask him to help you.
Spend some time in prayer and worship while seeking to find joy and peace (security) in God himself. [I spent some time in this point meditating and praying through v11]