Psalm 16: Thriving in Any SeasonSample

Prioritising Devotion

The kind of deep-seated trust in God’s power we read about yesterday doesn’t just happen; it’s cultivated by intentionally practising devotion. Our consistent devotion to God equips us to navigate life’s trials with stability, resilience, and joy. And devotion isn’t religious box-ticking; it’s a pathway to intimacy with God and an absolute necessity for thriving in any season.

A key practice of devotion is learning to listen to God’s counsel, because true wisdom comes from God alone. David doesn’t just seek counsel when it’s convenient or when he agrees with it; he thanks God for His guidance in all circumstances, even when it challenges him or requires uncomfortable obedience. We should resist relying on our own logic and experience rather than God’s direction. Our go-to shouldn’t be our friends or our feelings, but prayerful attention to God’s Word.

David says that even at night, his heart instructs him (Psalm 16:7 ESV). He’s shaped by a life steeped in prayer and devotion. If we only turn to God occasionally, offering five-second prayers when we suddenly need Him, we won’t be tuned to His voice. But when prayer becomes a habitual rhythm, we develop a deep awareness of God’s guidance, even when life is uncertain. David shows us that practising devotion begins with resolve: a daily pursuit of God’s direction. A life centred on seeking His wisdom is a life that thrives, no matter the season.

In a world that tells us to "follow our hearts" and "trust our instincts," setting the Lord before us can feel countercultural. Our society celebrates self-sufficiency, yet it also suffers from rising anxiety, burnout, and instability. David’s confidence and unshakable joy, however, stem from this practice of setting the Lord always before him (Psalm 16:8 ESV). It’s not a passive hope but the deliberate action of keeping God at the centre. David’s confidence isn’t based on circumstances but on his unyielding Godward focus. This alignment of heart and mind leads to gladness and profound security (Psalm 16:9 ESV). We set the Lord before us through prayer, which aligns our hearts with God’s will and shifts our focus from self-reliance to divine dependence, and by filtering our decisions through God’s Word. Imagine what would change in your life if you reached for your Bible every morning instead of your phone. Imagine the difference it would make if you started and ended each day surrendering yourself to God in prayer.

Take time to reflect on the truth that what you repeatedly rely on will ultimately shape your confidence. The more you practise seeking God’s counsel, listening to His wisdom, and surrendering your decisions to Him, the more you’ll grow in stability, strength, joy, and unwavering faith. When you begin your day by seeking God, you swap anxiety for trust, and your uncertainties are met with His wisdom. May you learn to set the Lord before you by inviting Him into your decision-making, aligning your choices with His truth, and trusting His direction even when it challenges your own understanding. Life won’t always be easy, but you’ll be able to stand firm.