(16:1) Michtam - Michtam (see title) comes from a term that may mean "to cover." It could mean a covering of the lips (a silent prayer) or a prayer that someone might be covered with protection. Cover can also mean "atone for." so michtam may describe a psalm of atonement.

(16:2) Apart from God - "My goodness extendeth not to thee" could also be translated, "apart from you I have no good thing.

(16:2) My Lord - David praises God and calls him his Lord. Can you make that affirmation today? A master or lord is someone who has rightful power and authority over someone else's life. Because God created you, in a very real sense you belong to him and all you have is his. God created you out of love, so you can put him first in all aspects of life and give him your complete allegiance. Do you understand God to be your Lord and Master? If not, how might your life be radically different if you started to?

(16:7-8) Seek God's Will - It is human nature to make our own plans and then ask God to bless them. Instead, we should seek God's will first. By constantly thinking about the Lord and the way he wants us to live, we will gain insights that will help us make good decisions and live the way God desires. Communicating with God allows him to counsel us and give us wisdom.

(16:8-11) A Messianic Psalm - This psalm is often called a messianic psalm because it is quoted in the New Testament as referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Both Peter and Paul quoted from this psalm when speaking of Christ's bodily resurrection (see Acts 2:25:28.31; 13:35:37).

(16:8) He Shall Not Be Moved - By saying that he " shall not be moved," David was talking about the unique sense of security felt by him and other believers. God does not exempt believers from the day-to-day circumstances of life. Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble, and failure at times (Matthew 5:45). Unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion about their true purpose on earth. Those who seek God, however, can move ahead confidently with what they know is right and important in God's eyes. They know that God will keep them from being moved off his chosen path.

(16:9) David's Heart Was Glad - he had found the secret to joy. You can feel real joy in spite of your deepest troubles when your relationship with God determines your outlook on life. Basing our happiness on external circumstances means we only find joy when things are going well for us. Our lives become emotional roller coasters. As we celebrate and enjoy God's daily presence, we will find contentment. As we understand the future he has for us, our joy will grow deep and strong. Don't base your life on circumstances but on God.

(16:10) Not Fearing Death - David stated confidently that God would not leave him in the grave. Many people fear death because they can neither control nor understand it. As believers, we can be assured that God will not forget us when we die. He will bring us to life again to live with him forever. This provides real security. (For other passages about resurrection, see Job 19:25-26; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2, 13; Mark 13:27; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-

18; Revelation 20:11-21:4.)