Having “Yahweh” as our God and belonging to his people is the heart of the covenant God makes with humans. Some have called this the “master metaphor” of the Bible.
God has proved his people with a “path” along which they walk. We “walk with God” or “walk in his ways.” This path leads to an eventual goal – “rest in the presence of God” himself. Life in God’s presence (where we see his “face”) is the final goal of the covenant.
Psalm 16 characterizes the “path of life” as “delightful” (vs. 2) and “pleasant” (vs. 6). Its goal, being in the presence of God, is even better: “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” (vs. 11).
David, as he writes this, is facing a time of crisis (perhaps sickness?). He cries out to God, “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge” (vs. 1). People around him are whispering.. Yahweh hasn’t done much to help you. Look around for other options. Try other gods. Maybe they can help.
David’s answer is a model expression of confidence to Yahweh. Listen to what he says,
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply…
I will… take their names on my lips.
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup…
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
David made his choice – Yahweh. He will walk in his “way.” He will find his identity with God’s people. He has placed his hope in the promise of one day being in God’s presence, where there is fullness of joy.
He’s content that he’s made a good choice. This has brought him stability and pleasure during the here and now, and hope for what’s ahead.
The apostle Peter informs us that David in Psalm 16 “foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ” (Acts 2:25-33). As his disciples, we follow him, i.e. walk in his “path.” We find our identity with his followers. We place our hope in his return in glory. One day we will see him. In his presence is fullness of joy!
