Prayer is the most direct way that we express our relationship with God. And Psalm 16 describes that relationship so beautifully, doesn’t it? For God doesn’t only accomplish great things for us, protecting us (verses 8 and 9) and guiding our steps (verse 11). No, as David says in verse 5, God Himself is our portion, the greatest gift we can possibly imagine. Simply being close to Him is the greatest reason for our rejoicing (verse 9). Just being in God’s presence makes our joy complete (verse 11).

But being in such a close relationship with God must have a tremendous impact on all our human relationships as well. After all, David was determined to avoid the false worship that was so common among the nations that lived near the ancient Israelites (verse 4). In the same way, coming to Christ may mean abandoning certain activities that once meant a lot to us – and perhaps even turning away from the friends that refuse to reject those harmful practices.

At the same time, drawing near to Christ necessarily means drawing closer to everyone else who loves Him and worships Him. After all, verse 10 is not only a clear prediction of the resurrection of Christ, the Holy One of God (see Acts 2:24-27). It is also a reminder that all those who love and trust the Lord Jesus will share in that eternal life with Him. So every time we gather for worship, we get a foretaste of that never-ending fellowship.

In fact, David goes so far as to say that all his delight is in the company of the saints (verse 3), those who have been set apart from sin and set apart for God. Do we share such enthusiasm, such love for our fellow believers with whom we will live forever? Or will we turn back to the fellowship of the world, which can only end in sorrow (verse 4)?

Psalm 16 (NASB)
A Mikhtam of David.
Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in Thee.
2 I said to the LORD, “Thou art my Lord; I have no good besides Thee.”
3 As for the saints who are in the earth, They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their libations of blood, Nor shall I take their names upon my lips.
5 The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; Thou dost support my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
7 I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For Thou wilt not abandon my soul to Sheol; Neither wilt Thou allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay.
11 Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fulness of joy; In Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.