David’s Five Steps to Peace in the Storm – Psalm 16

A Mikhtam (suspense word for times of danger or deliverance) of David.

Step One: David got to really know God, and submitted to Him wholly.

16:1 Preserve (shaw-mar: guard) me, O God, for I take refuge in You. 2 I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord (Adonai: Master);  I have no good besides You.”

The Person of God (16:1,2) – How I see God has everything to do with how I see life. Because of that, David began his song with the PERSON of God. That is what fit his life together. If I believe that He hears me and desires me, I will seek Him out. If I believe He is Sovereign over my life, I will do what His Word teaches. If I believe He is my guardian and the definition of good (as David did), I will rest in His Word and trust His work.

Step Two: David chose to surround himself with people that pulled him up.

16:3 As for the saints (l’qodshim: consecratd ones) who are in the earth,  They are the majestic ones (addirei: carry themselves in a stately way) in whom is all my delight (chaftzi: desire). 4 The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied;  I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,  Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

The People About me (16:3-4) – I love to be with people who walk in a way that marks their path for God. They are a delight to be with. Those who serve the gods of our age – fortune, fame, power and pleasure – are not reliable and trustworthy. I cannot co-sign for a loan for them. I cannot believe their words – for they serve their own ends. Servants who walk with God are a delight because they walk according to standards God has set – and we can understand and rely on them!

Step Three: David chose to celebrate and enjoy what he HAD not fixate on what he LACKED.

5 The LORD is the portion (mawnaw: necessary fulfilling ration) of my inheritance (khaylek: legacy of future) and my cup (cose: container of my daily need);  You support (tawmak: uphold) my lot (gorawl: fortune or allotted portion by lot). 6 The lines (kehbel: boundaries of ownership) have fallen to me in pleasant places;  Indeed, my heritage (nachalat: bestowed gifts) is beautiful to me.

The Portion of My Satisfaction (16:5-6) You fill me with all I really need. I trust you for the future and delight in you for the present needs. You look out for my future. What I have is from You and it is incredibly beautiful! I love my life, and have much to rejoice over! Did you ever notice that “counting your blessings” leaves you feeling better than looking at advertising inserts?

Step Four: David chose to trust God through the storms.

7 I will bless (from berach) the LORD who has counseled me;  Indeed, my mind (Chilyah: deep inside; inner self) instructs (yaw-ats: forms counsel) me in the night. 8 I have set the LORD continually (tawmid: repeatedly at all times) before me;  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;  My flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;  Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

The Practices of My Life (16:7-10) – There are practices that have secured me through the times of troubleare constantly praising God for Who He is and what He has done! In the dark of night I meditate from within about His greatness, fixing my mind on Him. He has become my strength and my security for this life and the next. When I leave this life, you will renew me without delay!

Step Five: David lived with anticipation concerning God’s plans for his future.

11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness (sova) of joy;  In Your right hand there are pleasures (na’im) forever.

The Pleasures of My Journey (16:11) – God has a future for me, and my future is brought to me by the God that made every delightful taste, every stunning color, every deep emotion and satisfaction!