Psalm 16

Psalm 16
1Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.’

3As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
4Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink-offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.
5The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.
7I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
10For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
11You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.


You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. You shall also love your neighbor as yourself. This is the greatest commandment given to us by Jesus. Here, we see the connection between the ministry of Christ and the use of the psalms in the language of the people of Israel.


Consider verse 9, "Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure." There is a holistic sense to the peace that Christ offers. That is why we offer all of ourselves to God. That is why we call it the peace that passes understanding because when the Holy Spirit brings us peace, it is beyond what our minds can alone comprehend.


The theme of refuge happens over and over again in the first part of the book of Psalms. It takes on different meanings at different times. When oppressed, it is a safe place. When happy, is is a place of celebration. When going through trials, it is a stronghold. God is our refuge. Which means in all things, God is our source.


Pray Psalm 16.


G. Thomas Martin