Psalm 16

A pleasant and peaceful Psalm.  Praising God for His watch-care over him throughout life.
Praising Him for the refuge that He provides, and for ordering his steps, and making life pleasant over all.

The study notes couldn't decide if this poem was penned in a crisis or a time of peace, or perhaps near the time of David's death.  

Even if in time of crisis, however.....there is an abiding peace that passes understanding that is well known to the one who dwells with God.

David recognizes, first, his position before God.   "My goodness is nothing apart from You."
Isaiah 64:6 states that all of our righteousness is but filthy rags.    We must recognize that we are
sinful creatures, sinful from birth.  Sin isn't only an act you commit, it is a nature you are born with.  And
a holy, righteous God cannot look on sin.  Even when we are 'good' here on earth, that goodness, apart from God's grace, is tainted by sin.  

Verse 3 has always seemed awkward to me.....out of place.   A note in the Reformed Study Bible makes it make more sense....(.I need to get some of my pastor's advise on this one...)
An alternative reading would be:  "To the saints in the land, the excellent in whom is all my delight, I say...."
Wishing I had learned more Hebrew in Bible College  :-)

Once again the way of the wicked and the righteous are contrasted.  The one who runs after idols (other gods, and idols of the heart!) will know sorrow upon sorrow.   After all, where is their hope?  Can their gods really DO anything?  Do the things we chase after that are not what God has ordained for us really satisfy and offer protection, peace and a sure hope for eternity?   Don't even acknowledge them.  Don't participate, or even speak their names, David says.

But....because David has chosen the Lord as his portion, his cup is full, and his life is ordered by the Most High.  (I am reminded of Mary, whom Jesus said had chosen the 'goodly portion' in one translation, or 'the good part'  by choosing to sit at Jesus feet and learn from Him instead of letting the perceived 'important' things of life take her away from attending to Him .....Luke 10:38-42)   David has chosen, the Lord as his portion.  We too, must choose this.  It takes effort.  Intent.  Determination.

But oh the results! .....pleasant places and a beautiful inheritance!  The love of Christ exhibited in the church body.....the assurance of His sovereignty and the sure hope in His promises.  Even when trouble comes, there is an inner peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7).  Isaiah 26:3 says that  those who trust in God, and whose 'mind is stayed on Him' will be kept in perfect peace.     This is a peace that the ungodly do not have.

God.....the only true and living God,  communicates with us.   There is relationship there, unlike the false gods.  He gives us counsel and instructs us in the night.

Once again......David knows that he will STAND.

And because of this, he is able to rst in hope, and be glad.

Verse 10 carries with it some of the 'now and not yet."     It most definitely applied to David, in that he had the sure hope that death wouldn't be the end of things.  NKJ study notes said it best, "he is confident that the future is secure, for both flesh and soul.  His faith extends beyond the grave."  David did indeed die, but he knew of better things to come beyond the grave.

Acts 2:27 and 13:35 indicate that David was also speaking of Jesus, who did not see corruption by the grave, but rose from the dead and is alive in Heaven now.

Trusting in God provides light on the path of life, and joy in the living.

And pleasures forevermore.