Introduction

Good morning, church family. Today we gather together to explore a beautiful and profound Psalm that has brought strength, comfort and joy to countless individuals throughout history - Psalm 16. We'll be diving deep into the themes of the joy of knowing God, the comfort of God's presence, and the blessing of God's guidance.

As A.W. Tozer once said, "To know God is at once the easiest and the most difficult thing in the world.” This statement might sound paradoxical, but as we walk through Psalm 16 together, it will make more and more sense.

Let's read through the entire passage now:

"Keep me safe, my God,

for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

apart from you I have no good thing.”

I say of the holy people who are in the land,

“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”

Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.

I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods

or take up their names on my lips.

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;

you make my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will rest secure,

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,

nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

The Joy of Knowing God

The joy of knowing God is a joy that transcends our understanding, a joy that is not dependent on our circumstances, but rather, it is rooted in the very nature and character of God. This joy is not a fleeting emotion, but a deep-seated reality that is birthed from an intimate relationship with our Creator.

Verse 1: The Psalmist begins by acknowledging God as his refuge, his safe place. This is a profound statement of trust and reliance on God. It is a declaration that in God, he has found a place of safety, a place where he is protected from harm. This is the first aspect of the joy of knowing God - it is a joy that is born out of security. In a world that is often filled with uncertainty and danger, knowing God provides us with a sense of safety and security.

Verse 2: The Psalmist also declares, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." This is a profound statement of value and worth. It is a recognition that all good things come from God and that without Him, we have nothing of true value. This is the second aspect of the joy of knowing God - it is a joy that comes from recognizing God as the source of all good things. When we know God, we begin to see that every good thing we have is a gift from Him. This realization fills our hearts with gratitude and joy.

Verse 5: The Psalmist also speaks of God as his "portion and cup," a metaphor that speaks of satisfaction and fulfillment. In ancient times, one's portion and cup referred to their inheritance, their share of the family wealth. By referring to God as his portion and cup, the Psalmist is saying that God is his true wealth, his true source of satisfaction. This is the third aspect of the joy of knowing God - it is a joy that comes from finding our satisfaction in Him. When we know God, we discover that He is the only one who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

Verses 10 & 11: The Psalmist speaks of the joy that comes from knowing that God will not abandon him to the realm of the dead, but will make known to him the path of life. This is a joy that is rooted in hope, a hope that is anchored in the promises of God. This is the fourth aspect of the joy of knowing God - it is a joy that is fueled by hope. When we know God, we have a hope that is unshakeable, a hope that is grounded in the promises of God.

The Comfort of God's Presence

The psalmist expresses a profound sense of security and peace that stems from the awareness of God's continual presence ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO