Life Lessons - PsalmsSample

THE JOY OF THE GODLY PEOPLE

Psalms 15 and 16 speak of godly living for the Israelites. Speaking of godliness, Psalm 15 begins with an important question: “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?” The psalmist asks the criteria of a person who is fit to come before the Lord. It turns out that this matter is not measured by how many offerings and how fervently someone worships and prays. Godliness can also be seen in everyday life: how someone speaks (verses 2-3) and acts toward others (verses 4-5). Godliness is seen in our daily lives.

Meanwhile, Psalm 16 expresses joy and blessing for everyone who believes and is faithful to God. Psalm 15 begins with a question and Psalm 16 begins with a prayer. The psalmist prays for God's protection and presence in his life (verse 1). Psalm 16:1-4 describes the psalmist's joy because he has God, which is in stark contrast to those who worship idols.

Psalm 16:5-8 describes the psalmist’s joy that exceeds the joy of one who inherits a treasure. Why? That’s because he knows that God is his inheritance—a thing that is worth more than anything in this world. Then, Psalm 16:9-11 describes the psalmist's joy because he has hope in the Lord. He believed that God would guide him both when he was still alive and when he died.

God provides abundant joy and blessings for those who trust and are faithful to Him.

We should be strengthened to make commitments before God when we read and meditate on these two chapters of the Psalms.

Have we chosen to live righteously and faithfully before God?