"Playing Inside the Boundaries Lines" - a discussion of Psalm 16

(A) Exercise

A psalm is a sacred song … poetry that comes deep from the human heart, as the ancient writer reflects on the reality of God. Psalms have been written from the depths of human struggle, therefore can reflect deep sorrow or misery; but at the same time, as faith kicks in, reflect a real trust in God.

We trust that God’s Spirit participated in the composition of these psalms, and because of this, there are many lessons to be drawn from them. As we come alongside the emotions expressed in such psalms, from where we sit in life, we can find much insight and encouragement.

The words of the psalms will speak to different people in different ways, yet often there are verses that touch us at our particular point of need. Therefore we should approach such psalms prayerfully and hopefully, expecting God to speak to us afresh.

Now read Psalm 16.

What do you like in this psalm?

What concepts here encourage you?

What challenges did you find?

(B) Application Questions – verse 6

When we can say, like in verse 6, that the “boundary lines” around my life are just right, and that our general experience of life is pleasant, then this is a wonderful thing. We have been able to make certain decisions, and we have been able to come to certain understandings about the Bible and about God, whereby our life has purpose and meaning, and we feel we are on the right track. Even when difficult or troubling or unexpected things happen to us, because we’re living within good helpful boundary lines, we will survive, and then in the fullness of time actually thrive in life.

What are these boundary lines? Think of the ground on which a football match is played. There is an inner circle just inside the fence line that forms the actual playing arena. What are those things that fall for us within the boundary lines, and what are those things that we will leave well enough alone on the other side of the fence? Mainly we would be talking here about activities and life-style decisions and use of resources and beliefs concerning right and wrong. This is something for each of you to work through for yourself, but I could offer some questions to help you along the way. Especially if we are uncertain or hesitant decision-makers, these questions could be very helpful. If we say we want to follow Jesus, then these are the sort of questions above all others that would count.

Will this move me closer to God, or at least do no damage to my relationship with God?
Does this connect well with following Jesus?
Am I becoming a more approachable and relational person?
Does this help me love my neighbour more practically?
Is this in my family’s best interests?
Does this assist my church community’s ministry?

There are alternative questions, like: Will this make me more money? Will this give me more power? Will this make me more comfortable? Will this make me more likable? Will this make life easier? But surely, for the follower of Jesus, these would be far less relevant questions.

Perhaps there is room here to also see the appreciation of our “boundary lines’ in terms of where we live. The psalmist could have had in mind the ‘Promised Land’ and God’s provision of it, or God’s kingship over the nation of Israel. We too can appreciate being part of a community, with all the support we can draw from it combined with the opportunity to make a contribution to it; and see that God has placed or led us here for a reason, and will use us accordingly.

Verse 6 continues with “I have a goodly heritage”. Some of the good that we experience now is as a result of what has been invested in us by others, maybe parents, other family members, teachers, mentors, friends; and of course God has invested a lot into us as well – when God could have easily given up on us, he has hung in and showed us mercy and graciousness over and over. But another aspect of having a “goodly heritage” is what we are able to pass on to others, our children, other family members, friends, people we have responsibility over and relationship with. Because of the good in us, we can help others find pleasant experiences of life.

(C) Other Content

Some of the other interesting facets of this psalm are as follows:

Verse 1 suggests that as we trust completely in God, we can experience protection from those things that are likely to do us the most damage. There are many dangers in life, many things that can undo us. Not only can danger on the road and the threat of violence affect us badly, but also the possibility of ill-health or losing one’s job or loneliness. But God will never let us ultimately sink as we place our trust in Him. God can see us through whatever circumstances come upon us.

Verse 2 suggests that the very best things of life are centred in our relationship with God. The bold statement “You are my Lord” acknowledges that we have a personal relationship with God – we are not borrowing this from someone else, or just copying what someone else is doing … this is undeniably real, and completely transforming. The one who can say to God in a very personal way … “You are my Lord”, knows that their welfare rests comfortably in God (and in God alone).

Verse 3 shows the high regard we can have for those who are shining examples of God’s love in the community and world, those who are so obviously God’s agents on earth, those who might truly be called ‘the salt of the earth’. We want so much to be like them. We observe God’s Spirit working mightily through them and we want to experience this too.

On the other hand, verse 4 reflects on those who take their own direction, a direction which is completely contrary to the direction we’ve chosen … and indeed this other direction is full of increasing misery. Whatever it is that a person worships … makes its mark on that persons character. We know about those who spend their time playing violent video games for instance … what a terrible mark this can make on their character and personality (and what dark results this can bring). Those who worship money, tend to lose touch with everything that is really important. Corruption breeds more corruption. Those who cannot resist pornography pay a terrible price in the depths of their being.

There is the commitment here to steer clear of such a path that leads nowhere, not seeking what these others seek, to the extent of not even considering this for a moment. I will not sacrifice my life to the altars of ultimate uselessness and destruction! I will not invest my time and energies into pursuits of no value! Whereas the names of the “holy ones” of verse 3 come easily to mind, we do not even utter the names of those who follow other gods, for they should receive no credit. This of course, is not to say we forget about them forever, or declare them forever lost, but rather make sure we are not adversely influenced or impacted by them.

Verse 5 acknowledges that we have made our choice amongst all the possible choices, and that choice is God. In our time this means that we have chosen Jesus … to follow him and be guided by the Holy Spirit placed within us … and to participate within a worshipping group of like-minded people, sharing our gifts with each other for the common good of all the community. The content of our future (our “lot” as the psalmist puts it) lies in the providence of God. For the Lord God to be our “cup” means that we are accepting wherever God will lead us. We will be willing to accept whatever circumstances come upon us knowing that God is also dwelling with us in these situations and pressures. Jesus was able to accept his “cup” knowing that God would have the final say and that Jesus would rise from the dead.

Verse 7 reminds us that God is always seeking to communicate with us, give us insight, and develop this divine/human relationship. The “heart” here must refer to the decision-making driver … the “conscience”. We can rely on the conscience that has been first instructed by God’s wisdom. God can keep us awake wrestling (in prayer) … bringing our conscience into line with God’s attitudes and standards, but then allow us to rest safe in mercy and forgiveness.

Verse 8 reminds us of the focus we need to maintain, especially given all the distractions life brings. God is always available to us, just like the radio station is always broadcasting. But if we want to clearly here what’s being said or played, then we have to be properly tuned in. The more we are tuned in to the right frequency, the less we will be shaken by the unexpected or troubling happenings.

Verses 9 & 10 speak of the security there is in knowing God. Whereas we will physically die, our soul/spirit will be safe with God forever. God is eternally faithful to those that love Him, and we are exuberant about this.

Verse 11 shows us that it is possible to be happy and contented and peaceful in this life and actually enjoy the journey. God’s “right hand” is the ‘victory’ hand; we can in God’s strength both overcome the hurdles and bloom like a beautiful flower. Ultimately, through what Jesus has done for us, we have a home in heaven with him. This journey has already begun as we live out the ideals of eternal life here and now, with the promise of a secure future offering us great confidence and peace.