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Psalm 16:8 - Keep The Lord Always Before You.Psalm 16:8 (NIV) I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.Psalm 16:8 (ESV) I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 (HCSB) I keep the LORD in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 (AMP) I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. INTRODUCTION This psalm is often called a messianic psalm because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ's bodily resurrection [Life Application SB 2019] The psalmist so deeply depends on the Lord for strength and joy that he senses that God is right beside him. [NLT SB] It is human nature to make our own plans and then ask God to bless them. Instead, we should seek God's will first. By constantly thinking about the Lord and the way he wants us to live, we will gain insights that will help us make good decisions and live the way God desires. Communicating with God allows him to counsel us and give us wisdom. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, "Without Me ye can do nothing." Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness, - all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly, - by abiding in Him, - that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. David says, "I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." Psalm 16:8. Do you ask, "How am I to abide in Christ?" In the same way as you received Him at first. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him." "The just shall live by faith." Colossians 2:6; Hebrews 10:38. You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour. You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you believe that He for Christ's sake did all this for you. By faith you became Christ's, and by faith you are to grow up in Him - by giving and taking. You are to give all, - your heart, your will, your service, - give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all, - Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper, - to give you power to obey. Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, "Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee." This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ. SC69-70 COMMENTARY Setting Jesus Always Before You You may be staring down a stressful situation right now. Or you might find yourself unsure about your future and scared about what could happen next. If that is you, take heart, because the Lord is always with you. Yes, God gives you strength, wisdom, grace, protection, and so many other blessings. But the best and most potent thing you have access to is God Himself. He is at your right hand. Nothing can shake you as long as you are connected to Him. The term right hand in the Old Testament indicated a valued, honored, and even intimate position. If you sat at the right hand of someone, then that was the best seat in the house. In the New Testament, the equivalent for believers is that Jesus lives in us. Galatians 2:20 tells us that we are crucified with Christ, and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us. When you embrace this reality, and keep Jesus as your focus, you can relax and face any circumstance that arises, because in Christ, you know your future is secure. Dear Lord, I steady my focus on You alone today. Because You are at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Psalm 16:8 - Keep The Lord Always Before You. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210119-0845.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180324-1503.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |