Approach

Emotionally and mentally step out of all your personal connections, not because they aren’t important, but because you want to come back to them strengthened and refreshed from your time alone with God. Make a list of every person you are connected with. Allow yourself plenty of time. After you have written down every name you can think of, give the list over to the keeping of the Lord.

In your mind’s eye turn now from them to him.

Study

1. Read Psalm 16:1–11. David begins by asking God to make him safe. In what ways does David acknowledge that God has been answering this prayer?

2. What does it mean to take refuge in God?

3. Read verses 5–6. How do an “assigned” portion and clear boundary lines contribute to a sense of security?

4. How does David’s focus in verses 7–8 create a sense of safety?

5. How does David’s knowledge of God affect his attitude concerning the end of his life (vv. 9–11)?

Reflect

1. Spend some time picturing God as a strong fortress surrounding you, providing boundary lines of security. As you do this, consider what he is protecting you from and what he is freeing you to do.

2. David has chosen for God and against other gods. What issues, people and/or concerns compete for your attention and allegiance?

3. David has set the Lord before him. Do that now. Spend time directing your thoughts, emotions, desires, activities and plans toward him. After you have done so, write down how this affects you.

4. David refers to eternal pleasures at God’s right hand. Although this looks to life on the other side of death, there are certainly many delightful pleasures from God that we taste now. Consider, how do you experience “pleasure in the Lord”?

Pray

Ask God to teach you how to enjoy him more and find pleasure in his presence.

Ask God to guide you in ordering your day so that you can find time on a regular basis to enjoy being with him.

Pray that those you love would find pleasure in the Lord.

 Eyre, S. D. (1995). Drawing close to God: the essentials of a dynamic quiet time: a lifeguide resource. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.