I’m hovering over Psalm 16 this morning . . . and the words of this song come across as penned by someone experiencing a rush of contentment. Whatever might be going on in the songwriter’s life . . . whatever it is that causes him to lead off with, “Preserve me, O God” . . . it seems to fade, or at least be put into context, as the psalmist also declares, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You”.

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot” . . . “I bless the Lord, Who gives me counsel” . . . “I have set the Lord always before me.” Therefore . . . “the lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance” . . . “because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” . . . “therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”

Content . . . glad . . . the songwriter’s inner being secure . . . his soul welling up with joy and praise.

Though there seems to be something unpleasant going on in the psalmist’s life based on how he opens his song . . . after “the intro” the melody is uplifting . . . the lyrics are life . . . the tone is hopeful . . . and I think it’s because the songwriter places his “here and now” within the bigger picture of the promised “there and then” . . .

“For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”    (Psalm 16:10-11 ESV)

Despite the circumstances upon him, the psalmist knows that God has made known to him the path of life . . . regardless of the struggles of today, there is a fullness of joy waiting him on that tomorrow when he is in God’s presence . . . while not denying the trials of the moment, he encourages himself with a reminder of the eternal pleasures which are for those who will abide at God’s right hand forever. He may be tried . . . but not abandoned. And in that knowledge . . . with that abiding inner assurance . . . there is contentment.

I don’t know that life is ever conflict free. Even if the battle dies down outwardly, it seems there always something to struggle with inwardly. For every mountain top experience, it seems I can so easily find myself slipping into the valley on either side of it. I was also reading in Matthew 6 this morning and was reminded there that “sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (6:34b).

But there’s a lesson I can learn from the songwriter. Take time to remember the God of my future and be reminded that He is the God who directs my present. Know afresh that I have an unimaginable inheritance waiting for me . . . an inheritance found in Christ . . . an inheritance to be enjoyed as a co-heir with Christ . . . an inheritance guaranteed by the Spirit within me . . . and, knowing that, be assured that the Holder of my inheritance is sufficient to meet the need for today.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”   – Jesus (Matthew 6:31-33 ESV)

A precious promise . . . a rush of contentment . . . sufficient for the day . . . all of the glory of God. Amen?