Introduction: Some people challenge the practicality of the knowledge of God. "Why do I need to know about THAT?" they ask. I am reminded of an old "Twilight Zone" TV show called "What You Need." (tell story) You may not think you need to know about God, but such knowledge is useful, and even essential. Psalm 16 teaches us six facts about God:
I. God is our refuge (vss. 1, 8).
A. David was the warrior king. His life was often in danger. Goliath, the Philistines, King Saul, and others tried to slay him. He was also tempted by Satan, and sometimes suffered greatly because of his sins.
B. We too need a place of safety. In our country, our danger is not physical, but spiritual. We are tempted and tried. We need safety from the "roaring lion."
C. We should pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are suffering persecution and death for their faith. God is their refuge, more than we can grasp.
II. God is the source of all that is good (vss. 2, 5, 6).
We don't often think about it, but all that we have comes from God, ultimately: life, health, food, clothing, shelter, family, friends, community, art, music, wealth, and so on.
III. God is the only God worth worshipping (vs. 4).
A. The worship of false gods leads to sorrow. Just consider the impact of Islam and Hinduism!
B. There are no other gods but Jehovah. The other so-called gods, are not the real God by a different name. Learn about Allah, Krishna, and so on. They are not at all like Jehovah. They are not like Jesus.
IV. God is Sovereign over our lives (vss. 5-6).
What is your portion in life? What talents, family, wealth, community and so on were you born with? That is God's doing. Give Him thanks for all the good He has brought into your life.
V. God is our Counselor (vs. 7).
He counsels us by His word. He is not silent. He is not hidden. We learn from Creation. We learn from conscience. But most of all from the Bible.
VI. God is our Hope of eternal life (vss. 9-11).
A. Without God, how can a person face his own death, or the death of someone he loves?
B. God will not abandon us, even in death (Psalm 23).
C. God has promised eternal pleasures in Heaven with Him (Lazarus is a good illustration).
Conclusion: What six facts does this Psalm teach us about God?