Dear Friends,
Psalm 16 begins with a simple prayer request.
Psalm 16:1 NIV
Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.
This request is made to MY God. David is well acquainted with God; his request for protection is very personal. The picture is of a watchman guarding a city, soldiers protecting their king, or a shepherd gazing upon his sheep. The King James Version translates it: “Preserve Me, O God.”
The simple reason for this request is that David has chosen to “take refuge” in God. The concept of God as our refuge is very prominent in the Psalms. It is found in 21 different songs! We all need protection like little chicks protected by their mother’s wings or a soldier protected by his shield.
The question arises: “Who protects you?” If an omnipotent, benevolent God is available (and He is), why not trust in His Almighty protection? He will protect your body, your soul, your finances, your relationships. He is able and willing to give you protection in every dimension of your life. How very comforting it is to trust in Him!
As we close today, remember a relationship with an Almighty Protector can be yours. All you need to do is ask! Even Jesus, the Son of God, sought refuge in His Father when He walked on the earth.
John 12:27-28 NIV
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
Hebrews 5:7-9 NIV
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
Be encouraged,
Pastor Rick