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A 'Golden' Psalm of David - Psalm 16

Opening the Word of God at Psalm 16, David McLaughlin drew attention to the title of the Psalm, a 'Michtam of David'. This word, of Hebrew origin, relates to gold, and so Psalm 16 could be considered a Golden Psalm of David. It is a special Psalm, not least because it speaks of Christ.

The Psalmist here is in a relationship with God. The word 'Preserve' in verse 1 indicates a continuing and ongoing relationship. He has already committed his life to the Lord, and put his trust in Him. In verses 1 and 2, God is referred to in 3 different forms. In the cry 'Preserve me, O God', the term 'God' relates to the Creator, who controls every breath of His creation. In verse 2, the terms 'LORD' (capitals) and 'Lord' are used. 'LORD' refers to Jehovah, and presents the mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus. And in the term 'Lord' or 'Master', he acknowledges the control that his God has, not only in the Universe, but also in the life of the Psalmist.

As we read on it is clear that David, the writer, exalts Christ, his Lord and his God. He does not consider himself to be of any great significance, but acknowledges that everything he has is by the goodness of God. And in verse 3 we see that his love of God, and his acceptance of the provision of God, affects his relationship with others. He has a delight in spending time with the saints of God: with other Christians. A simple sign of the true faith of a child of God is their desire to spend time with the people of God.

In verse 5, David speaks of his inheritance. David was the king of the land. As a king he had already gained his earthly inheritance, but it was not an earthly inheritance that He was referring to here. It was not an earthly inheritance that He trusted in or sought after. David lived for his inheritance in heaven. Every believer in Jesus Christ has a wonderful inheritance to look forward to: the reward of heaven. It is a guaranteed inheritance and one that every Christian will receive.

The Lord, however, does not leave us only to look forward to this inheritance, He also guides us in our daily lives. Verse 7 speaks of the counsel, the guidance, of the Lord. He guides us (v7), walks with us every day (v8), and gives us a joy in our hearts (v9).

A relationship with God should give us peace. The knowledge of His guiding hand, of His wonderful inheritance and of His precious protection should give us comfort and rest. As David said in verse 9, 'my flesh also shall rest in hope'. That hope is the hope of the cross, the hope of the Gospel and the hope of Salvation. It is not a 'hope' as we today understand it, but rather a certainty, based on the work of Christ at Calvary.

Christ, the Holy One (v10), suffered for the sins of the world. He died for your sins and He was buried, according to the Scriptures. But His body did not experience corruption. His body did not decay. Instead He was raised from the dead and today is alive in heaven to interceed on our behalf. It is through Him that we have redemption for our sins, and through Him that we have assurance of salvation.

As David turned his attention to Christ, the joy and hope of his heart, it is imperative that we also focus of Him and all that He means to us.