Psalm 16 is a Psalm of Trust, a personal expression of security in God in the midst of uncertainty or danger. The details surrounding the background for this Psalm are uncertain, but verse one indicates David was again in some kind of difficultly. David again demonstrates his faith in God and his confidence that God will take care of him.
Like many psalms in this genre, it contains four elements:
- An expression of anxiety – David is clearly in need of help: “Preserve me, O God.”
- An expression of confidence – The tone is not despair, but assurance: “In You I take refuge.”
- A resulting sense of peace and joy – Confidence leads to rejoicing: “My heart is glad… my flesh also dwells secure.”
- A reflection on God’s past faithfulness – He remembers and relies on what God has done.
(Note: This Psalm could also be classified as a Messianic Psalm, with four of its eleven verses quoted in the New Testament. Peter uses a large section in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:25-28 = 16:8-11) and Paul uses verse ten in his noteworthy sermon in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:35).)
This psalm offers us a window into the devotional life of a spiritual man. David is not just offering lip service; he’s wrestling with real troubles and grounding his hope in a real God. His trust gives us a pattern for our own walk with the Lord.
The first section of the Psalm (19:1-6) has David thanking God for three things: his God 16:1-2, his friends, 16:3-4, and his inheritance, 16:5-6. In the second section (16:7-11), David responds to these gifts by praising God 16:7, stating his conviction to God (16:8), stating the security he has in God (16:9-10), and by declaring his readiness to listen to God (16:11). Putting these together we are going to examine 7 actions of a spiritually minded person.
Finds Refuge in God (Psalm 16:1–2)
“Keep me, O God, for I take refuge in You. O my soul, you have said to Yahweh, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good without You.’” (Psalm 16:1-2 LSB)
David begins with a plea—**“Preserve me”—**but immediately declares his confidence and allegiance: “In You I take refuge.” This is not the cry of someone looking for a last-minute bailout; it’s the posture of someone who’s made God his shelter day after day.
He recognizes:
- God alone is his Master (“You are my Lord”)
- God alone is his Source of good (“I have no good apart from You”)
We often look to relationships, success, or comfort to define our “good.” But David shows us true refuge means total dependence on God—not just in times of crisis, but in how we define the worth of our lives.
Delights in God’s People (Psalm 16:3–4)
“As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. The pains 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.” (Psalm 16:3-4)
David doesn’t just find refuge in God—he finds joy in the people of God. He calls them “the excellent ones,” or majestic ones. Their holiness, not popularity, is what makes them admirable.
By contrast, he refuses any association with idolaters. He won’t even speak their names or participate in their rituals.
Our spiritual priorities are revealed in who we surround ourselves with and who we celebrate. Are we drawn to people because of godliness—or are we more impressed with celebrity, power, or charm?
Treasures God Above All (Psalm 16:5–6)
“Yahweh is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me.” (Psalm 16:5-6)
Using the language of land inheritance, David expresses complete contentment in the Lord. He may not be speaking of land at all—but of God Himself as his portion.
- “Portion and cup” – his sustenance and satisfaction.
- “Lines… pleasant places” – symbolic of divine boundary lines, suggesting peaceful provision and contentment.
What do you consider your “inheritance”? A career, legacy, comfort, reputation? David says that having God is having everything. He’s not settling—he’s rejoicing in the best portion available.
Listens to God (Psalm 16:7)
“I will bless Yahweh who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.” (Psalm 16:7)
David doesn’t only seek God in crisis; he listens to God continually, even in the quiet moments of the night. God is his counselor, and His Word shapes David’s thoughts and decisions.
Do we allow God’s counsel to guide our daily choices—or only when we’re desperate? And do we fill our minds with His Word so that even in the night watches, our hearts are rooted in truth?
Sets the Lord Before Him (Psalm 16:8)
“I have set Yahweh continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)
David’s peace isn’t accidental. It comes from a daily, intentional focus: “I have set the Lord always before me.” God isn’t in the rearview mirror—He’s front and center. That’s why David is stable.
We often let distractions or fear cloud our vision of God. But a steady heart comes from a steady gaze—keeping God before us through prayer, worship, and the Word.
Rejoices In God’s Security (Psalm 16:9–10)
“Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not forsake my soul to Sheol; You will not give Your Holy One over to see corruption.” (Psalm 16:9-10)
Because God is his refuge, his portion, and his focus—David finds deep, unshakable joy. He is confident in life and even in death. His flesh “dwells secure” because he knows God won’t leave him in the grave.
This section becomes prophetic—quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25–28 as a prediction of the resurrection of Jesus. Ultimately, Jesus is the “Holy One” who would not see corruption.
Our joy and security aren’t based on earthly ease but eternal promises. If Jesus rose from the grave, then our refuge in God is rock-solid—even when everything else falls apart.
Follows the Path of Life (Psalm 16:11)
“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11)
The final verse is a crescendo of hope. David doesn’t just want protection from death—he wants life with God. That life isn’t just future—it’s now, through God’s presence and God’s pleasure.
- The “path of life” = obedience, wisdom, relationship.
- “Fullness of joy” = not a moment of fun, but a life of satisfaction.
- “Pleasures forevermore” = not temporary highs, but eternal delight in God.
Many search for pleasure but miss the path. David shows us that the true path of life is the one that ends in God’s presence. Anything less is a detour.
Conclusion
Psalm 16 walks us through the heart of a man who is anchored in God—in life, in death, and beyond. His example challenges us to make trust in God more than a belief—it must become a lifestyle.
Ask yourself:
- Where do I turn for refuge?
- Who are my closest companions?
- What do I value most?
- What voice do I listen to most often?
- What fills me with joy?
- What am I really pursuing?
Only when we set the Lord before us will we say with David: “My heart is glad… my whole being rejoices… You make known to me the path of life.”
Personal Reflection
Reflection Questions:
- When you think about your “portion and cup” in life, do you feel content? Why or why not?
- What does it mean that “the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places”? How has God marked your boundaries?
- How does Psalm 16 help reframe your view of death and eternity?
- What does it look like to “set the Lord always before me” in a practical, daily way?
Action Steps:
- Memorize Psalm 16:8 this week and repeat it each morning to begin your day with spiritual focus.
- Write out a gratitude list, focusing only on spiritual blessings God has given as your “portion.”
- Fast from one source of worldly “security” (news, social media, entertainment) for 3 days and reflect on how it shifts your trust.
Prayer Points:
- Thank God for being your refuge, portion, and cup—your total source of security.
- Ask Him to guard your heart from chasing after “other gods” of modern life.
- Confess the areas where you’ve depended on earthly things instead of trusting Him.
- Pray that your joy, confidence, and hope would rest fully in the God who will not abandon you—even in death.
Couple’s Study Guide
Reflect Together:
- Are we satisfied with the “portion” God has given us in this season of life?
- What are some “other gods” or distractions that compete for our attention or affection?
- How can we set the Lord always before us in our marriage—especially in times of stress or uncertainty?
Pray Together:
- Thank God for being the one who holds your future as a couple.
- Ask Him to help you cultivate shared contentment, trust, and joy in Him.
- Confess any shared fears, doubts, or misplaced hopes—and ask God to fill you with a firmer faith.
Shared Action:
- Choose one night this week to unplug from all digital noise and read Psalm 16 aloud, then send time talking, reflecting on the song, and maybe play a simple board game.
- Make a short list of ways God has been faithful to you as a couple—especially in moments where you were afraid or uncertain.
- Encourage another couple who may be struggling by reminding them of God’s unshakable goodness.
Family Guide
Read Psalm 16 Together
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to say, “God is my safe place”?
- What are some “good things” that God has given our family that we didn’t earn ourselves?
- Why do you think David said, “My heart is glad… even my body rests in hope”?
Activity Ideas:
- Portion Cup Craft: Let kids draw or decorate a paper cup labeled “God is my portion.” Inside, write down spiritual blessings: salvation, family, church, heaven, joy, etc.
- Safe Spot Game: Create a “safe zone” in your house and play a simple tag game. Talk about how God is our true safe zone in life and death.
Prayer:
- Thank God for giving us more than things—He gives us Himself.
- Ask Him to help us trust Him and be joyful even when we’re scared or uncertain.
- Pray that our family would always run to God first—not last—because He is where real life begins.
By Jeremy Sprouse
Jeremy has been married to Erynn since August 1999. They are blessed with six children: Jaden, Isaiah, Isaac, Ean, Joseph, and Evelyn. Jeremy preaches for the Patrick St. church of Christ in Dublin, TX and is the author of To Train Up a Knight.
Knights of The Father 