Contentment – Sufficiency in God

| Sermon Summary by Robbins Jesuraj |

Psalm 16

David had an anxious life to live – intimidated by the wild animals as he shepherded his flock, later chased by Saul, then shouldering the responsibility of leading a nation and finally disappointments within his own family. But he always found comfort and contentment as He came before God as demonstrated in his psalms. Psalm 16, known as golden psalm, is one such expression of his sufficiency in God. The psalm begins with a prayer “Preserve me, O Lord” (v1) which is a cry, not only for physical protection, but also a plea for making his life thrive and flourish in the midst of all his troubles.

First, he declares his sufficiency in his relationship with God and His people (v2-4). “My Lord” and “no good apart from you” breathe his deep satisfaction in his bond with God. Along with God, he had delightful engagements and grateful remembrance of people who pleased God, as he always meditated on them. He refused to turn his attention to the wicked and dishonourable. Who are the people who fill our minds? Are we thankful to God for the many relationships that He had provided?

Then, he expressed his sufficiency in God’s provisions (v5,6). He was satisfied with his lot and his portion, chosen and given by God. He accepted them as it is. What we have may not be world’s best, but they are what God has provided for us. Are we satisfied with our lot in life which could be our education, career, family, house, inheritance and other provisions?

Third, he found his sufficiency in God’s guidance (v7,8). We find ourselves at cross-roads many times and we look for yes or no, but it is difficult to wait. As we wait for Him, we will clearly hear His voice “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:18-21).

Fourth, David asserts God’s sufficiency even in life after death (v9,10). He will not abandon our soul and not allow us to see corruption, as Christ rose as a first fruit. As man is obsessed in technologies to help him continue beyond death, the promise of resurrection gives us assurance of continuing into eternity.

Finally, David discovered his sufficiency in God’s good pleasures. God has created everything for our pleasure and He finds pleasure in giving them to us. In a world where pleasure is commoditized, God’s children can safely find joy in His presence and eternal pleasures at His right hand, as we wait on him for our lot. Instead, if we try to find pleasure in our way, as done by Solomon (Eccl 2:1-11), even the God-intended pleasures become vanity.

Contentment is an attitude. Those who are content delight in what they have. Those who are discontent fret on what they do not have.

David always found his sufficiency in God. What about us?