Evidence of God's Presence

Psalm 16:7–11 (ESV)

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 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.

I am Wiser

Psalmists resolves to continually speak highly of the Lord is because of the the first benefit, that is the advice GOD has brought to his life. To the point that God’s wisdom and instruction has resonated in his mind that it motivates night time meditation and reflection.

Illustration: You ever been up at night reflecting on your life, and end up determining you will do differently.

Application: Those are moments when we’ve allowed the word of GOD to move upon our consciences. Unlike stress keeping you up, this is more purposeful for correction and redirection of life. I have repeated this a lot, because it is crucial. How have you received God’s counsel lately? It is large indicator of his presence. And unless we are fully cognizant, will we praise him for it?

I will not be shaken

David again resolves that he will keep the Lord on his mind. Or he is always mindful of the Lord’s presence. Again, emphasizing the awareness of God’s presence!!! But then he praises the nearness of GOD, described as at his right hand. Right hand, for human perspective with GOD, denotes nearby for support. Because of that, David confidently say “He will not be shaken”. That is to say no matter what blows, hurdles, or obstacles of life, he will not stagger or stumble in life’s steps.

Illustration: Jessyca and I were leaving Gabby’s orchestra concert last week at Raytown HS. We didn’t see the sharp elevation shift of the sidewalk, and Jessyca walked straight into it. Thank Jesus I was near, by her side, and holding her hand.

Application: Can you attest to GOD keeping us upheld? This too is a repeated benefit of God’s presence. Had our faults, certainly, but he keeps me standing. Fears and foes come, but because he’s right here, I will not be shaken, fear, tossed everywhere.

I live securely

Lastly, David goes on to say that even his flesh has hope or dwells securely. This was grounded in his trust that even in the event of death, GOD would not leave him there. Now this was a trust of David’s, but an ultimate prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection which Peter and Paul affirm in Acts 2 and 13.

Application: Yet still, it is a hope for every believer because now that Jesus has been resurrected, we too should have a constant feeling of safety, even in death!

I am filled with Joy

Tied to the same reality that GOD is close by David’s side, he then speaks of how this makes him feel deep down inside. My heart and my glory, essentially are speaking of his entire being. That is a feeling of joy!

Application: This is certainly a signature of God’s presence! But the big question is has it been registered in our lives! The Psalms themselves are for praise, which arises from joy from the relational presence of GOD.

Conclusion - Of course these are just a few of the important benefits of God’s presence in our lives. If we are to have a heart full of praise for these benefits, we absolutely have to recognize them!