Psalm 16

read

Psalm 16

explore:

  1. What sticks out to you about this psalm? 

  2. What do you think v.3 means? Why would David pray this within the larger context of the prayer? 

  3. What's the contrast in attitude David makes between v.4a and v.4b? Can you give examples of how sorrows multiply when you run after a small-g god (any created thing, cf. Rom 1:25) rather than the true God? 

  4. Why do you think v.7 comes after v.1-6?

  5. Why do you think Peter chooses Psalm 16 to quote in his sermon at Pentecost? (Acts 2:22-33)


apply

  1. How does Psalm 16 encourage you? 

  2. Are there any gods you're running after (v.2) more than the real God? What are practical ways you can run after the Lord while remaining embedded in the vocation, relationships, and other life stuff God has placed you in?  

  3. While v.11 will be experienced most fully in the new heaven and new earth, it's also true for today. How does both the future and present realities of this verse affect you? 

  4. What are some ways you can practice v.7 and/or v.8? 

  5. Read the below reflections* on the psalm. How does this give you security, comfort, satisfaction, excitement, or hope? 

    1. "the pleasures of v.11 are not only eternal in their depth and in the length of time we enjoy them, but they're endlessly varied due to being found within who God is and what He gives" 

    2. "to have God is not only to enjoy guidance (v.7), stability (v.8), but resurrection (v.10) and endless bliss (v.11)" 

    3. "the refugee of v.1 finds himself an heir, and his inheritance is beyond all imagining and exploring"

pray

  • for one another, our church, our city

*reflections are paraphrased from Derek Kidner’s commentary on the Psalms

Doxology Admin