This 16th Psalm is indeed a "golden Psalm of David," as its original heading reads. It is full of humble, golden trust in our gracious God. Its very first note sounds so peacefully and confidently: "Preserve me, O God; for in Thee do I put my trust."

David knows, as Luther did in his day: "With might of ours can naught be done, soon were our loss effected" in the dangers and temptations of this evil world. Foes of deep guile and great might surround us from without and within, and soon would we be overpowered if we had to fight our battles alone. But David knows where to find help. He turns to His merciful and omnipotent Father in heaven and prays: "Preserve me, O God; for in Thee do I put my trust," and declares in this eighth verse that he does so always and that through God's help he is preserved in life's turmoil and sin.

Happy are we if we make this word of the Psalmist our watchword and always set the Lord before us as our Guide and Protector, if we permit His Word and Holy Spirit to rule our hearts and lives. Then shall we not be moved, no matter what trials or temptations befall us. Though a host of enemies rise against us, we shall be safe; for the Lord is at our right hand. The right hand is the hand of power, of strength for battle. So the Lord Himself battles for us, shields and protects us, that we may endure unto the end and obtain the victory and gain the crown of everlasting life.

[devotion text by Rev. F. W. Herzberger (1920) -
from the Family Altar - CPH (1957 edition)]
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