Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Psalms 14, 16 – Additional reading, Steps to Christ chapter 2, “The Sinners Need of Christ,” and chapter 3, “Repentance.”

1. In this biblical scene, what does the psalmist write about what happens when God looks over His human creation? Psalms 14:2-3

2. What does The Lord become for those who are oppressed? Psalms 14:6

3. What did David write that he has apart from God? Psalms 16:2

4. When did David feel like he could not be shaken? Psalms 16:8

Commentary and Reflection

Both Psalms show the depth of God’s love for us and His desire to take care of us. In addition, it gives a glimpse into the prophecy of Jesus Christ and His resurrection.

Psalm 14 briefly shares the results of the fall of humanity; but also God’s faithfulness to restore those who still want to be His people. David analyses the fall of men and how they ultimately rejected God, but then God steps in to be a shelter to those who are oppressed by the evil-doers that surround them. I love how, in this psalm, it is pointed out that God chooses to be in the company of the righteous (Psalms 14:5). God with us is all we need. Jesus was the ultimate expression of a God that is with us. Even though all of humanity has fallen, God was faithful in fulfilling His mission of redemption. Therefore, all those who want to be righteous now have a gateway to that righteousness by going to Jesus and surrendering all.

First John 1:9 is my favorite verse because I clearly know that I am a sinner and have fallen many times, but His faithful promise in 1 John 1:9 is that when we go to Him and confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and clean us from all wrongdoing (unrighteousness). That promise gives us hope because when we are made righteous by simply claiming that promise we have God in our company, in our midst, and it is there that we find refuge.

Psalm 16 shouts that the source of life and security is the Creator of life. David wrote of the divine presence as the most desired place, that gives “fullness of joy” (verse 11). From beginning to end, psalm 16 testifies to a life that finds its ultimate rest in God’s protective presence.

When I was in high school, I came to realize that life without God is not really living. I was awakened to the fact that one can find complete satisfaction only when one is satisfied in Christ Jesus. He is the source of life and joy, where we can enjoy our journey on earth to the fullest. David understood this and wanted the world to embrace this truth so that they could enjoy their best life now with Jesus by their side. He starts out with such clearness, “Nothing I have is good, but You (God).” (verse 2)

This secureness and eternal joy are possible because of Jesus Christ, and I love how this Psalm is quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25-28, referring to the fact that Jesus was not going to see decay in the grave because He resurrected. Toward the end of this psalm, David shares a prophecy, “…nor will You let the Holy One see decay” (verse 10). Every part of our life that is meaningful and good is because of the resurrected Savior who lives at the right hand of the Father and makes intercession for us.

In spiritual essence, our hearts are shaped like a doughnut. And the only person who can fill the middle hole is Jesus Christ. We can try to fill it with something else or somebody else, but there will always be a hole. We may try to satisfy that hole with material things or something good like a spouse or a child, but the hole will remain because it was created by God to be filled only by God. I pray that you will embrace the Jesus who wants to fill that hole. That you would live your best life now with Jesus because it is in Him that we have everlasting shelter and eternal joy.