Psalm 16 is good for Thanksgiving. The band Shane & Shane captures how David rests in what God has provided. Play the song below, and read the text as you listen. You’ll notice the song lyrics hop around, not following the psalm verse-by-verse. So read the text over and over as you listen, absorbing the message with your eyes, ears, and heart. Enjoy, and give thanks.
“Psalm 16 (Fullness of Joy)”, by Shane & Shane. Album: Psalms Vol. 2. Buy here.
Psalm 16—A Miktam of David (ESV)
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Questions:
1. Did you notice how Shane & Shane paraphrased verse 8, at about 1:40 in the song? Because you’re for me, I’m alright…It’ll be alright. Where do you want to feel all right in your life?
2. Summarize the psalm in your own words in one sentence. Write it down.
3. Go back to 2:20 in the song and listen to how Shane & Shane connect the Old Testament and New Testament. Using verses 9-10 as a launching pad, they sing: My heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my flesh it dwells secure. Because You put on flesh, lived a blameless life—my curse on the cross You bore. Then You ripped the doors off the City of Death and the chains fell to the floor. Now the serpent’s crushed, it has been finished, and You reign forever more.
The point, of course, is that because of what Jesus did, you can say with confidence (no matter what may come)—I’m alright…It’ll be alright.
4. Return to the psalm again later today or tomorrow. Ask the Lord that He alone will be the source of your peace and hope.
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