Your true joy is found in the refuge of God.

Noah Valen

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Your true joy is found in the refuge of God.

Notes

Transcript

Introduction

Good morning class. I’m glad you were able to make it out today. I’m praying that as you listen to the Word preached that your heart’s will be impacted and your soul turned towards God, and that you will be academically challenged. I promise today not to bore you, so let’s get right into the point of today.

And what is our point? Fear.

Tension

The world we live in right now is full of fear. In the middle of this crazy pandemic, fear is a disease just as big as covid-19.

Recently I had to do a lot of travel during the craziness of the pandemic. The day I was travelling was the day I found out that CSU was shutting down for the remainder of the semester. I was also flying from Seattle Washington into JFK New York, which were the two biggest hot spots for the virus in the U.S. I was also travelling with my girlfriend Erika, and I had to walk around batches of people wearing masks. I had to be in tight places with some of these people. To say that I was afraid would be an understatement. I was terrified. I was walking around in places that could have been exposed to the virus. I was around people that could have been infected. I had my woman who I need to protect with me. I wasn’t sure what the future would look like. I wasn’t even sure if we would be allowed to get off the plane. I was full of fear.

What added to this is that I didn’t feel like I had a place to run. The school was my home, and it was suddenly taken away. I was flying away from my other home. I didn’t feel like I had a place to be my refuge. This caused a lot of fear in me

I think we’ve all been here before. Fear can grip our hearts, and we can become so paralyzed that we begin to believe that we have no place to run. Maybe you have felt it with the Corona Virus outbreak. Maybe you have felt this fear in life threatening scenarios. Maybe you have felt this in financial struggles. Maybe you have felt this fear in entering a new stage of life that is unknown. What do we do when it feels like we don’t have a refuge?

When we get to this point of fear, we try and find something that will distract or subside our fears. It could be an addiction, or a relationship, or a pleasure. The sky is the limit in things that we find to distract ourselves. The problem is that they never last. The fear remains.

I’m sure that fear may be gripping some of your hearts today, and it might feel like there’s nowhere to run. Today, I want to show you where you can run to in the middle of your fear, and how you can get there. Not only this, but I want to show you how you can find joy in the middle of your fear.

We find this solution in a psalm of David. addresses fear, and where to find refuge in the middle of fear. David uses his own circumstances to bring us into the joy he can find in the middle of his fear.

Exposition

Context

What we see in this Psalm is David bringing a prayer before God. He pours his heart out to God, and God responds by doing a work in him. What we have here is a Psalm of trust. David is going to take us on a journey of emotion and the state of his being throughout this Psalm.

Cry for help (1)

God

English Standard Version Psalm 16

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

This Psalm begins with a plea. David is crying for help. The first thing we hear from the psalmist is “HELP ME GOD!” David is in some kind of situation that is causing him to fear. He is in distress, so he cries out for help.

Why does David cry out for help?

He says that the reason he is able to cry out to God is because He is David’s refuge. He is the hiding place, the fortress, the firm place of security that he has. This is why David cries out to God.

This first verse sets the scene for the whole Psalm. It demonstrates the structure that this Psalm will follow, and it tells us the questions that David is going to answer for us. These questions are: Why does David cry out for help? What does it mean that God is his refuge? How do these thoughts connect? David will answer these questions for us as we read on.

So what does it mean that God is David’s refuge? This is a question that will be answered throughout the Psalm as we dive deeper.

David’s prayer begins with a cry for help. So what does he do next? Next, David speaks seven truths to himself that will build his confidence in God. The reason for this we will find shortly.

Proclaiming truth (2-8)

English Standard Version Psalm 16

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;

I have no good apart from you.”

The first truth that David speaks to himself is that God is the only reason there is any ounce of goodness in his life. This takes humility for David to admit. He is king of Israel, with good looks and success and strength. He could have it all if he wanted. It would be easy for him to attribute this good to himself, but instead, he brings it all back to God. God is the giver of all good in his life. Not only does this cause David to look at all the good things he has, but it turns his eyes towards heaven in gratitude that the almighty God would be so good to him. He doesn’t allow the created pleasures to take the place of the ultimate Creator.

It would be easy for a child on Christmas morning to be so absorbed in the good gifts he receives that he disregards his parents who gave him these gifts. He may even fully take ownership right away as selfishness arises when a sibling asks if they can play with the toy. “It’s mine!” might come out of the mouth of this child. David does not act this way, instead, he points back to God as the reason for any good he has.

English Standard Version Psalm 16

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,

in whom is all my delight.

David turns his attention to fellow saints living in Israel. He is not finding satisfaction in these people, but he can delight in their presence. The fellowship and presence of fellow God-followers brings him happiness because this increases trust in God.

A common line tagged along with suicide prevention efforts is the simple statement “you are not alone”. This can bring great relief to people, and can even be what saves lives. Just knowing the presence of others can be so helpful to someone in such a low state.

This is what David is finding! David is finding relief in the presence of fellow God-followers.

English Standard Version Psalm 16

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;

their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out

or take their names on my lips.

David slightly shifts his focus here as he looks at false gods and their followers. He is recognizing that those who follow false idols are empty, and have nothing but sorrow in their pursuits. In this, he makes a commitment that he will never honor another god, and he won’t even utter their names. He sees the paths of those who follow these kinds of gods, and he knows that is a path of sorrow! He wants no part of it.

When I was able to spend some time in Benin Africa, I saw and learned much about the spiritual nature of the land. The people were so frightened over a variety of spirits, gods, and witch doctors. I was in shock by the spiritual darkness. The people didn’t find joy in their spirituality. So much of it was out of fear. I can understand when David talks about the sorrows of those who follow other gods. I found myself being grateful that I am claimed by the one true God, as David likely felt the same way.

English Standard Version Psalm 16

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;

you hold my lot.

David is now speaking the truth of God as sovereign in his life. God is the one who fills him up, who keeps him satisfied, who is the finest selection of sustenance in his life.

The idea of a lot is the action of rolling dice to determine plans of action, and to see what direction an individual should go. It is a game of chance to determine what the future holds. David realizes here that it is God who is sovereign. God holds the lot, he controls the dice, and David humbly submits to that authority God has over him. God is the one who rules and satisfies at the same time.

English Standard Version Psalm 16

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

David now turns his eyes towards the physical. He sees the physical land that he has to dwell in, the land of Israel. He sees how bountiful and beautiful and blessed this land is. He finds satisfaction in seeing how God has blessed him with this “inheritance”. He can be content with his physical dwelling, because he has much in this area.

Sometimes in Christianity we can shame riches and nice earthly possessions. These things can definitely be anti-God if we let them rule our hearts and fill us with pride. The thing is, so many of God’s people had good riches in the Bible. David here is showing that a beautiful physical dwelling place is a blessing and something to be thankful for, not ashamed of. He is grateful for this inheritance he has received from the Lord, but he does not allow it to rule him.

English Standard Version Psalm 16

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;

in the night also my heart instructs me.

David turns his praise towards God because of His teachings. God comforts and guides him. The law of God would have filled his heart and mind so much that David’s heart could teach him the goodness of God. It is David who said that he constantly meditated on God’s word. He had been so filled with God’s instructions, and this brings satisfaction and peace to him that he has the Ruler of the universe as his guide and counselor.

I think many of us might understand the idea of having that one elementary, high school, or college teacher that really left an impact on us. Not only did their teaching stick, but their character and relationship to us is what mattered and was significant. David seems to be reminiscing on God in the same kind of fashion. He sees the counsel and wisdom and instruction God has given, and as he thinks back the words and teaching that he has absorbed in his heart is edifying him. God is the same kind of teacher for us today, and we can have this kind of awe and respect for Him as a teacher.

English Standard Version Psalm 16

8 I have set the LORD always before me;

because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

David has placed the sovereign God in a prime place in his life. God is before him, and holds a prominent and important position. He is before and beside David as an everlasting, holy, loving, and good presence. God is his great and central focus, nothing else is above God. Because of this, David stands in a position of being unshakable.

Like a house built with a good foundation, or an armored tank that can withstand the damage of war, David stands strong in the presence of God.

As we have progressed throughout the Psalm, there has been a shift in David’s posture. It began with David crying out to help in a state of fear. Slowly, David begins to change from fear to confidence. By the time we get to this last truth, David is clearly in a place of confidence in God’s character. The fear has shifted to David being brave within the presence of God. God is his refuge, therefore he can be confident.

David’s confidence doesn’t just stay at confidence. It shifts further into something else. Let’s read what happens next with David.

Joy received (9-11)

English Standard Version Psalm 16

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

my flesh also dwells secure.

Because of David’s confidence in Yahweh, he is filled with joy. David is joyfully secure in the presence of his God. He has no reason to fear and every reason to be confident, and this leads him to embracing pleasure in the arms of Yahweh.

Confidence and bravery in the face of fear is one thing, joy in the midst of fear is a complete other thing. David got more than he bargained for with God as his refuge.

As we read on we see what David’s fear was, and why he was able to overcome this fear.

English Standard Version Psalm 16

10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

or let your holy one see corruption.

David was fearful of being abandoned, alone, and forgotten in the pit of death. I think we can relate here. When fear strikes us, it feels as if we are just going to be forgotten and die. There’s no comfort, no place to find solace, nothing but death awaits us. That’s how we can feel in this crazy pandemic. Whatever David’s circumstances, that’s what he was feeling during this time. This all turns around now, as his confidence and joy in God shows him that he has no reason to fear this. He knows that God holds him securely, and that his presence is eternal. Death is still an approaching reality for him, but he can remain confident in God taking care of him in every moment as his wonderful refuge.

David continues...

English Standard Version Psalm 16

11 You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

God’s presence isn’t just a tool to battle fear. It’s not just a place to find safety. It’s not just a thing to hold on to in order to gain confidence. God’s presence contains great joy and pleasures. In his presence, joy can be made full. David has experienced this fullness of joy. He ran to God with his troubles, and got far more than he would have bargained for. Eternal, deep, fulfilling joy from God’s presence is what David gained in turning to Him as a refuge. God is so perfectly full of joy, and nothing can add or subtract from His joy. When David entered His presence and refuge, this joy filled him as well. God’s joy transfers to those who seek Him as refuge! Your true joy is found in the refuge of God.

Questions

Now, you might have some questions after we have walked through this text together.

You might be asking, but what about the things causing my fear? Is God going to eliminate them? I can’t say for sure if He will or won’t, but that’s not the point. The point is that God takes away the reasons for fear. The catalysts of fear remain, but God is greater than fear. God is greater than any enemy or thing that can come against you. God is bigger and better. David was able to rest in Him not because everything that was scary was taken away, but the shelter and joy of God takes away any reason to be afraid. David was still going to die, but regardless he could find confidence and joy in Yahweh. His joy was found in God’s refuge. So is yours.

Some of you Bible nerds out there might be thinking, “hmm… I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this Psalm somewhere else.” If you’re thinking that, then great! Because this Psalm is quoted in in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

25 For David says concerning him,

“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me,

for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;

26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

my flesh also will dwell in hope.

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

or let your Holy One see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the paths of life;

you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

The quick way to react to this is to say “oh, this whole Psalm must be about Jesus then.” No, I wouldn’t say that. We have to understand that when David wrote what He wrote, he was expressing his emotions and experiences. But there is definitely reference and prophecy of Christ in this Psalm. As Peter explains, David did end up dying. He was not abandoned by God, but, his soul did end up facing death. The good news of this Psalm is that Jesus Christ is truly the holy one that meets the standard of not seeing corruption. It is Jesus who has now made this joy accessible to us! Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have access to an intimate and full relationship to the Father.

Application

If David was here today sharing this with you, I think he would have this question for you: Where is your refuge?

This is why this Psalm is written, and what he wants to communicate with you. The only one worth having refuge in is God, no other refuge has the same weight of truth that the refuge of God has. No other refuge can keep us perfectly safe and satisfy us with perfect joy at the same time. Only God can do this. Your true joy is found in the refuge of God.

So you might be thinking that this sounds amazing, but you may not understand the “step-by-step” process that David describes. So...

How do we treat God as our refuge?

1. Run to Him

If you want God to be your refuge, you need to learn to run to Him. When David felt this fear in His heart, He cried out to God! When we face fear, it can be so easy to run to a variety of places. We may run to pleasures, to people, to panic, to anxiety, we may even run away completely. This is not the way. When confronted with fear, we must learn to turn towards the Creator of the universe. He is the one who has the ability to bring us true and lasting joy. Anything else will feed our fear, or simple act as a distraction from it. Only God can really conquer our fear.

When fear arises, do you open your Bible, or do you open social media to distract yourself? When fear arises, do you cry out in prayer, or do you cry by yourself and wallow? When fear arises, do you turn towards God, or do you turn towards an escape? The answers to these questions are important. You need to react to your fear by taking it to God! He’s big enough to be your refuge.

It can be dangerous to be a reactive person. This can cause outbursts of anger, depression, anxiety, or many other intense emotions when a single event happens. I would argue that it’s okay to be reactive, as long as you react in the right way. You must learn to react and run to God! Whatever that looks like for you, when a circumstance in your life makes you want to react, stop, and turn towards the Father. Your true joy is found in Him.

2. Know His truth

It is supremely important to be feeding yourself good things in life. What you feed your body determines the result of your appearance. Too many big macs will make you look big too. When you’re feeding yourself the right foods, your body has better results. This applies to our spiritual feeding as well, and we need to be careful with how we feed ourselves spiritually.

When David faced fear, he turned to God, and then started a healthy theological diet. He began to feed Himself the truths of God.

He acknowledged that all he has is because of God (2)

He is finds delight in the fellowship of saints (3)

He recognizes the foolishness of other gods (4)

He knows that God is sovereign over his life (5)

He sees God’s blessings in his life (6)

He remembers God’s teachings (7)

He is confident in God’s power (8)

These truths about God are what lead David towards confidence. He could have chosen to feed himself lies of fear, but because he ate up these wonderful facts of the Father, he was able to move from his fear into confidence not in himself, but in who God is. The truth of God is what gave him strength and endurance to face fear.

What truths about God do you need to be feeding yourself? His sovereignty? His goodness? His love? His work in your life? The blessings He’s given you? The salvation He has provided? Whatever it is you need, wherever your fear comes from, attack it with the truth of God. Truth will trump fear every time. These truths will lead you to joy. Your joy is found in His refuge.

3. Be joyful in Him

Slowly we see David’s cry for help morphing into a state of confidence. This confidence then does a work in David that leads him to joy. When we run to God, and we cling to Him in confidence of His good and loving character, something dramatically changed. When we do this, God is our refuge, and His refuge is a canopy of joy. Joy radiates from His being when He is our refuge.

This joy in a refuge is like a child who is afraid of the dark, but has their brave and strong father to come and lay down with them until they sleep. All alone, the dark of a nighttime bedroom is terrifying. But in the presence of his father, the child has no reason to be scared. No monster under the bed can harm, no shadow can strike fear, no lurking thing in the dark can attack, no sounds can haunt, because dad is there. There is complete protection, and joy in the presence of the child’s father. This is how it is with God! Your true joy is found in the refuge of God. When God is our refuge, we can experience His joy. Not only does He shield us from danger, but He offers us to be joyful in Him while in His presence. If you are in the presence of God, what reason do you have to not be joyful? If you are not in God’s presence and don’t have that joy, what’s stopping you from getting there?

Conclusion

English Standard Version Chapter 2

25 For David says concerning him,

“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me,

for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;

26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

my flesh also will dwell in hope.

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

or let your Holy One see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the paths of life;

you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

We are all mortals. That’s our literal fatal flaw. Because of this there is so much that we can’t control and therefore fear enters our lives so quickly. In this Psalm, David shows us not only how to kill our fear, but completely replace it with the joy of God!

You might be thinking that this sounds nice, but it’s not something that would work for you. “Noah, you don’t really know my fears! They’re way too big!” Whatever the reality of your situation is, I’m sure that it’s bad. The situation your fearful of may not even change is the thing. David’s didn’t! David’s reality didn’t change, what changed is that when His joy was in God, the problems did not have the same weight. The joy of God outweighs any fear.

When your hope is in Jesus Christ, this is your refuge. God has taken care of your soul, and Christ has promised to be with us and has given us the Holy Spirit as this assurance. Jesus died in order to kill death. Sin doesn’t hold us. Death doesn’t hold us. Satan doesn’t hold us. Evil doesn’t hold. Disaster doesn’t hold us. It is God, through the work of Jesus Christ that can grip us so tightly.

If you don’t have that personal relationship with God, then unfortunately that means God is NOT your refuge. If that is you today, I urge you to consider Christ. Consider His sacrifice and run to Him as your everlasting Father and eternal refuge.

Even those of you today who do believe, God may not be your refuge right now. You may be living in a way that something else is your refuge. I urge you as well, turn back to God!

Your true joy is found in the refuge of God. Seek Him out. Speak His truth. Accept His joy.