Psalm 16 | The Goodness of God

“You are my Lord,
My goodness is nothing apart from You.”

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 16

It’s easy to look at our circumstances and become overwhelmed with all we see. Such was the case for Joni Eareckson Tada. At age 17, she became catastrophically injured while diving into the Chesapeake Bay. Because she misjudged the water’s depth, her dive resulted in her becoming paralyzed from the shoulders down.

In reflecting on her injury, Joni said:

I hated my paralysis so much I would drive my power wheelchair into walls, repeatedly banging them until they cracked. Early on, I found dark companions who helped me numb my depression with scotch-and-cola. I just wanted to disappear. I wanted to die.

For Joni, her life hadn’t turned out like she thought it would. It led her to question the purposes and goodness of God. Yet over time, by relying upon prayer, godly friends, and Bible study, she would see God’s faithfulness in her suffering.

Just like Joni, we can fail to see God’s goodness in our circumstances. It can lead us to debilitating anger, loneliness, and a hopeless perspective on life. Yet, the Bible shows us a better example.

In Psalm 16, many scholars believe that David was writing from the Philistines’ land while fleeing for his life from King Saul. Many aspects of David’s life were difficult and challenging. Yet, amid his circumstances, he writes one of the most beautiful and hopeful passages of the Bible. As we consider this passage, let’s allow David’s words to encourage us of God’s goodness in our lives:

In our Present Blessings

As David begins in Psalm 16, he expresses his reliance upon the Lord for absolutely everything in his life. David says to the Lord, “My goodness is nothing apart from you” (Psalm 16:2). Let those words sink in for just a moment.

As David looks back and evaluates his life, he has learned that every single blessing he experiences is of the Lord. Not from his extra effort, well-honed skills, or even luck – but instead overflowing from God’s goodness.

In verse 4, David points out that unbelievers don’t fully experience this goodness. He says their blood offerings to false gods only multiply their sorrows. David wanted no part of their worship – nor to even speak the name of their deities. But, in contrast, David was blessed by the Lord’s presence. To him, it was his “inheritance and my cup” (Psalm 16:5).

In verses 7 and 8, David shows how God’s presence was with him at night. I imagine when David laid his head down, his mind was stirring with problems that tried to suck the joy from his soul. Yet, David could sense the presence of the Lord “who has given me counsel” (Psalm 16:7). You see, in those sleepless nights, the Lord’s presence brought him answers and peace that on his own was impossible.

In our sleepless nights, our problems can seem unbearable and without a solution. It is at those times we need to be reminded of the Lord’s presence with us. As we meditate upon God and His word, he counsels our hearts in truth and grace. Like David, despite our troubles, the Lord’s presence with us will ensure we “shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8).

You might be thinking God’s presence seems like a comfort during times of difficulty. But will I ever see a better day?

In our Future Hope

In verses 9-10, the Psalmist touches upon that one amazing thing that gives future hope to all believers in God. That is that they will live on beyond the grave. David is so sure of this; he says that his flesh “will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol” (Psalm 9-10).

This hope of life beyond the grave isn’t based upon unmerited optimism or blind hope. But instead, in the prophecy of a person, David calls “Your Holy One” (Psalm 10). This Holy One will not be corrupted by the grave but will have victory over death. And through his blood, he will show us the path of life. That Holy One is Jesus Christ.

Paul said in Corinthians that since Christ is risen from the dead – all who are in him “shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Like the church in Corinth, we too can follow the path of life found in Jesus Christ.

The reality that God saw fit to send his son to purchase our forgiveness from sins is the most precious example of the goodness of God. This goodness promises us both fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.

There may be a time when we fail to see God’s goodness in our circumstances. If we are not careful, it may lead us to anger, feeling alone, and a hopeless perspective on life. Yet, when we meditate upon God’s goodness in our present blessings and our future hope – we are reminded He is our inheritance and in His “presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

David Goff is the Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church, Washington MI