Posted By Joseph Middleton on Sep 19, 2016 | 2 comments

Although chocolate is no doubt a gift from God, this is much more than a reference to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

THE KING’S TREASURE
Psalm chapter 16 is one of six michtams of King David (Ps 16, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60). Michtam means to be especially noted as with a golden star, or to contain a golden secret. It may also be the name of a commonly used melody during that day, indicating these Psalms to be sung and/or played “to the tune of Precious Gold.” This particular Psalm is a messianic prophecy of Jesus’ victory over death. The apostle Peter gives us a powerful commentary in Acts 2:24-32 as David’s prophetic song was fulfilled over 1,000 years later.

25 For David says in regard to Him, I saw the Lord constantly before me, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken or overthrown or cast down [from my secure and happy state].

26 Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue exulted exceedingly; moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope [will encamp, pitch its tent, and dwell in hope in anticipation of the resurrection].

27 For You will not abandon my soul, leaving it helpless in Hades (the state of departed spirits), nor let Your Holy One know decay or see destruction [of the body after death].

28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will enrapture me [diffusing my soul with joy] with and in Your presence.

29 Brethren, it is permitted me to tell you confidently and with freedom concerning the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30 Being however a prophet, and knowing that God had sealed to him with an oath that He would set one of his descendants on his throne,

31 He, foreseeing this, spoke [by foreknowledge] of the resurrection of the Christ (the Messiah) that He was not deserted [in death] and left in Hades (the state of departed spirits), nor did His body know decay or see destruction.

32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that all we [His disciples] are witnesses.

Jesus made a way for us to be fully restored in relationship to God! That in and of itself is a great reason to take note! It was out of David’s commitment to maintain relationship with God that he was able to see and operate in the prophetic song with eternal accuracy.

Psalm 16 fires me up!  Let’s take a deeper look at verse 11 as it is recorded in the KJV:

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Now let’s break down some of the Hebrew words used in this strophe:

life (chay – living, flowing like water)
presence (paniym – face)
pleasures (na’ yim – delightful, sweet sounding music)
evermore (netsach – endures seasons, endless victory)

Now perhaps it could be sung this way: “God, I know You will direct me on how to flow in this life as long as I’m seeking Your face in worship. It is here that I find perfect gladness that will endure and give me victory over the hardships of life on Earth.”

THE PURSUIT
Seeking God’s face means our life is invested in a relationship with Him, made possible through Jesus. We individually share time and love with God, glorifying Him through prayer, worship, study, and walking out life according to the principles of His supernatural kingdom.  We may seek God’s hand when we need Him to act or move on our behalf (Phil. 4:6), but God is not a giant Santa Claus in the sky.  Seek relationship with Him first and the rest will work out!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 ESV

IMPERFECTIONS REVEALED
God is revelation and as we continue to draw close to Him our human nature is progressively brought into light.  This isn’t always a fun process.  The exposure of our shortcomings can be quite frustrating and discouraging, but it’s the enemy’s tactic to control your focus. An account of this experience unfolds in Nehemiah chapter 8 as the Hebrew people returned from Babylonian captivity and made effort to restore relationship with God according to His instructions. The law of Moses was read from morning until midday by Ezra and his support staff, as was the custom on the Feast of Trumpets. The word of God pricked their hearts and the people were heartbroken at how far their culture had strayed from God’s ways.

The exposure of our shortcomings can be quite frustrating and discouraging, but it’s the enemy’s tactic to control your focus

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OH THE JOY!
Ezra the scribe, and their charismatic leader Nehemiah, exhorted the people to focus on the joy of the Lord and they would find strength to turn their mourning into rejoicing.

Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Folks, God isn’t so discouraged by our shortcomings.  He has those covered! In fact, He is overjoyed that we are in pursuit of genuine relationship with Him.  Take confidence and strength from His joy, which is revealed in relational worship.  It is the golden ticket to endure every season.