Confidence

Psalm 16 has been called a song of confidence. And I love this Psalm.

When you read it, the Psalmist is confident that God is His first and foremost priority. Subsequently, He brims with confidence for a number of things in life.

He is confident that his life is where God wants it to be, no more and no less.

Psalm 16:6 (ESV) The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

He is confident the Lord will give him counsel that stays with him through the night.
Psalm 16:7 (ESV) I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

He is confident that nothing will shake him.

Psalm 16:8 (ESV) I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

He is also confident that other gods yield only sorrow while the presence of the Lord is full of joy, pleasures and true life.
Psalm 16:11 (ESV)  You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

He is confident that security is his in God.

Psalm 16:9 (ESV) Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

And he is confident of a future resurrection.

Psalm 16:10 (ESV) For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.

It is interesting that Psalm 16:10 is quoted by Peter on the morning of Pentecost when his sermon cuts through the hearts of his hearers. Peter had denied the Lord a few weeks earlier before a little girl - the least intimidating social class of that time. Yet Peter called down curses on himself to deny Christ.  

All that changed having seen Christ back from the dead. So this would be a perfect text for Peter to use it for that sermon. He was talking about David who wrote it. David gave the army of Israel great confidence after his victory over Goliath. Yet David fell, sinned and died a shell of his former self. Jesus on the other hand arose in power and ascended not simply to new life but to the right hand side of God the Father above all rule, power and authority. 

Peter's confidence had been radically turned around seeing the Lord arise and ascend. His voice was empowered to proclaim salvation only in Christ's name and his ministry was electric with miraculous power as he confidently healed and raised the dead in the name of Jesus.

That's the power of the Resurrection and Ascension. And our confidence comes from the reality that Christ is over all! Every Christian should live in the confidence that our true and better David has conquered sin and death! We are not confident for confidence's sake! We are confident because of Christ!

Christian, this is not time to fear or fall to pieces. Your Lord is risen and reigning and nothing else needs be said! Believe and receive His presence and power for your life today!