Sunday Devotional: Psalm 16:11

You have made known to me the way of life; fullness of joy is in Your presence. Delights [are] in Your right hand forever.

This is not an easy psalm to translate, though I think the main themes are clear. Instead of getting mired in the technicalities of rendering some difficult Hebrew, which is more the domain of a commentary, I have chosen a verse whose meaning is fairly straightforward for our meditation this morning.

The context of Psalm 16 is a situation where the psalmist, David, is, or has recently been, in some kind of peril, but has taken his rest in the Lord. David knows where his surety lies, and he finds refuge and security in his God. Those who chase after other gods will only find trouble for themselves. But to David, for whom the Lord is his refuge and shield, a wonderful inheritance has been provided, and the way of life is open to him.

We should note that in verse 11, David hasn’t discovered the way of life for himself. This was not something he figured out, rather it was revealed to him. David could not correct his behavior and live a God-pleasing life by his own effort, and we need to remember the same is true for us. If you know the Way, the Truth, and the Life, it’s not because you were smart, or diligent in study, or particularly observant. It was because God chose to reveal the gospel to you. Only when we fully grasp that in our heads and our hearts can we truly give God all the glory He deserves for our salvation. It’s all His work, and none of ours.

“Fullness of joy,” or the joy that completely satisfies, is found in the presence of God. The way of life leads us to that joy, and certainly, in that joy we find life. This joy is not mere happiness, like when you get a pay raise, or a gift from your spouse on your birthday. This is a deep joy that brings a sense of contentment to the soul that no other joy can give.

The final part speaks of “delights” in the Lord’s “right hand” forever. These delights, or pleasures, point to and underscore the everlasting nature of the joy we find in the Lord. From His hand come an endless supply of pleasures–again, not worldly, flesh-satisfying pleasures, but spiritual, soul-satisfying pleasures–that are His gift to us as His children.

It’s important to remember that this sense of security and blessing we find in the Lord is something that comes to us despite our external circumstances. We find rest and refuge in the Lord while we go through the toils of life. And as we take refuge in the Lord, we find unspeakable joy, peace, and comfort that no material possession or worldly pleasure can supply.

So whatever happens to us this week, may we remember to take refuge in the Lord, for it’s in His presence that we find life and health for our souls. Have a great week!