There is no doubt we live in uncertain times and, at times, we may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty we face. You can face the future with confidence as you follow David’s example in Psalm 16. He chose to focus on God rather than his circumstances. We see that he was facing a life or death situation as he opened this Psalm with a cry of desperation,

Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You. (Psalm 16:1)

The word “preserve” conveys the idea to guard, protect, or to keep. This is a frequent word in the Psalms emphasizing God’s protection of His people. A refuge is a safe place, it’s where you flee for protection. Where do you turn when you’re facing uncertainty? David reflects upon God’s goodness and His faithfulness and then he concludes this Psalm with confidence in God’s ability to watch over him,

You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11)

This verse declares David’s confidence in God. We see that God reveals to us the path of life. You can choose your path or you can follow God’s path. The Psalmist reveals how to keep to the path of life,

How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. (Psalm 119:9)

The word “way” is the same Hebrew word as “path” in Psalm 16:11. What pathway are you on? When you are on the path of life you will experience His presence that results in fullness of joy. The Psalmist realized that God’s presence was his greatest desire,

Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. (Psalm 73:25)

The result of being in God’s presence is fullness of joy. Joy is not the absence of problems, but it’s the presence of God. Finally, we see that God provides pleasure for His people. It seems that people seek for pleasure in all of the wrong places. Long lasting pleasure can only be found in God. Charles Spurgeon reminds us, “Heaven’s joys are without measure, mixture, or end.”

David’s prayer to God resulted in a confident trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. When you’re facing uncertainty, let your choices, not your circumstances, determine your destiny. Is choosing to follow God your first response or your last resort? Your life is a reflection of the choices you make. If you want a different life you must make different choices and it starts by following God.

You are the person you are today because of the choices you made yesterday. Although you can’t change your past, God can change your future as you follow Him. Remember that we make our choices and then our choices make us.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5