The Weekly Perspective
by Burke Shade, Associate Pastor
Finishing out our short look at Psalm 16, we find that David is not only making requests of the Lord while trusting in him, he is also celebrating his security of being in the Lord’s care: “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” David is glad; he is merry of heart. From his bowels to his hairline, he is in a joyful mood and acknowledging to himself what a favored position he enjoys. He is, as we say, a happy camper!
And why shouldn’t he be? For he knows that, “my flesh also dwells secure.” God’s presence with him means he is secure in his person, in his status before God and man, in his pursuits, and even in the eternal future.
We know this because he pens the phrase spoken of Jesus in Acts 2 and 13: “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” God won’t let Satan or the Serpent have him; no, the Lord will keep his embodied soul forever as one! Paul makes that point in Acts 13:34: “corruption” was being dead; but God raised Jesus from the dead, ending that “corruption.” In faith, David “sees” not death eternally, but life with Yahweh, Jesus being Yahweh in the flesh.
We know David is thinking this because of the last phrases, which all interpret each other: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The path of life is in the Lord’s presence. At the Lord’s Kingly right hand are pleasures forevermore.
This is true of you today, as you dine with Jesus, uniting yourself to him in faith as you eat the bread and drink the wine. Like David, you say repeatedly to Jesus, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you” (vs 2). In fact, every time you eat at Jesus’ table, you embody David’s faith: “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup” (vs. 5). How wonderful is that? So be glad in Jesus, and let your whole being rejoice, because in him you dwell secure (vs 9).