If you read my last post, you know I am beginning a new series on Psalms. I used Psalm 16 this past Sunday and focused on two ideas:

1. Take Time for a Backward Look
2. Take Time for a Forward Look

It is the latter I’d like to share with you in a series of posts this week. Psalm 16 brings out three ideas about reflecting on God’s goodness:

WE ARE TO REMEMBER WHO GOD IS

In verses 1-2 David gets us to focus on God. The reason that is so important is when we focus on God our whole perspective changes.  It is easy to see God as someone who is far away, Someone totally uninvolved in our world. My Deist friends will say God created the world and then left it, someone who is unconcerned with our circumstances.

Of course, I would disagree. I see proof on an almost daily basis of His concern for me.

The best part though is what David does in this Psalm. An interesting phenomena occurs when he uses three different Hebrew words for God: Elohim, Jehovah, and Adonai. Using the ESV translation, David writes:

“Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.”  The word used is Elohim. El is the most frequently used name for God and is translated “mighty power.”

“I say to the LORD.” The word used is Jehovah, which speaks of His personal interest.

“You are my Lord…” The word used is Adonai, which speaks of His presence. He is the Master.

David can’t help but be overwhelmed by the truth of who God is!

And I gotta wonder…why am I not that overwhelmed? These two verses tell me I am surrounded by a God of love, protection, wisdom, and strength.

I’d like to ask you to carry this truth with you this week. Any thoughts?