You know you need protection, but do you know where to find it?
By Dean Collins
Sooner or later you need God’s protection, and the good news is that he is waiting for you to take refuge in his arms. Maybe you look around and realize you need shelter amid the chaos of this world. Or maybe you want security in the day of reckoning that will come at the end of time. Whatever your concern, Psalm 16 offers good news.
Two groups
David described two camps or groups in this short psalm: (Option A) those who take refuge in God and (Option B) those who look to other things and other gods for their hope. The psalmist implied that you will need help from somewhere or someone. I suppose those who take Option B include those who see themselves as fully sufficient and capable. Narcissists believe they have it all figured out and are smarter and more capable than anyone. They might believe they are the one that others should run to for protection, but eventually they prove to be sorely inadequate and those who put their trust in them eventually walk away.
David sized up the options and put his stake in the ground. He declared that only the God of all creation is sufficient as a refuge for life now and life forever. There is a hint of Psalm 23 in these verses; “the Lord is my chosen portion and my cup” reminds us of David’s words as he sits at the table the Lord provided even in view of his enemies and there declared that his cup is so full it spills over.
Only God
And Psalm 16 instructs us that the boundaries and places God gives us are pleasant and beautiful, even leading to a wonderful inheritance. It is our protector and refuge who listens, gives counsel, and teaches us by day and even in the night. You may have friends and counselors who offer to be there anytime, and many of them will, in fact, do their best. They are some of the excellent ones David mentioned in this psalm. But only God can be ever present. Only God is always at our right hand.
Promised today
This psalm isn’t just an ancient promise. In the first gospel sermon preached by Peter we find portions of this very psalm. Peter knew what David didn’t yet know. We are saved and eternally protected because of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Because of Jesus we can endure anything and know that he carries us even into the gates of Heaven. We have no fear of death or worries about our eternal address. Jesus is our refuge and salvation.
Later Paul would write Romans, explaining that everyone is broken by sin and everyone needs forgiveness. The refuge David claimed and Peter proclaimed on Pentecost is the one who can save everyone who calls on his name now.
We can keep clawing away at our own solutions, we can continue trying to create security for our families and friends by ourselves. Or we can fall into the grace of God by way of the name who is above all names. Jesus is present now and will reign forever. Trust him. Call on him. He alone is our refuge!
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 16:1-11; Acts 2:25-28; Romans 3:10-12; Romans 3:21-26 ESV
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.
To download a printable version of today’s post, click here.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Correction: The emailed version of yesterday’s devotion (February 22) listed the wrong author for the post. It was written by Dean Collins, as are each of our Weekday Posts. The error has been corrected on the web version.