There is no doubt we live in uncertain times. People are concerned about financial uncertainty, the threat of terrorism, and the direction of the country as we have a national election coming. At times we may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty we face. You can face uncertainty in life with confidence. How? You can face uncertainty with confidence by following David’s example in Psalm 16. You can choose to focus on God rather than your circumstances. David in the Old Testament encountered a number of uncertainties in his life and many of his Psalms come from the crucible of adversity.

So how do we make the right choice in times of uncertainty? You must choose to follow God rather than fear.

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

The word “preserve” is the Hebrew word שָׁמַר shâmar, and it 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, this is where you place your trust and confidence. What is an uncertainty you’re facing? Where do you turn for refuge?

When David faced uncertainty he turned to God.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.”
As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight. (Psalm 16:2-3)

It’s been said “Show me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Not everyone however, turns to God, they have a host of other gods they turn to: performance, popularity, possessions, or pleasure. David however, refuses to associate with them,

The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied; I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood, nor will I take their names upon my lips. (Psalm 16:4)

You are free to choose but you are not free from the consequences of your choice. True freedom is not doing what you want but doing what is right. Your life is the sum total of the choices that you have made. David then reveals why you should choose God.

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. (Psalm 16:5-7)

David then expressed his confidence in God’s ability to watch over him,

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
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 16:8-11)

Peter quoted 16:8-11 at Pentecost in reference to the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:25-28). David’s words in this Psalm transcended his own experience and typologically refer to Christ. David realized deliverance from death whereas Jesus was resurrected from death. Viktor Frankl said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing, the ability to to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances .” All of us face uncertainty in life. May you choose to follow God rather than give in to fear.

Is choosing to follow God your first response or your last resort? You are the person you are today because of the choices you made yesterday. Be encouraged that even though you can’t change your past, that God can change your future.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5