Day 5 - Defeating Death


Reading Passage: Psalm 16:10-11

In case you need to find refuge, joy, and hope in the God of the Bible who faithfully cared for His people through every kind of hardship and unknown, you can always turn to the Psalms. 

Words written in the Old Testament reminded God’s people of everything they had gone through with His help and provision! What He said He would do - He did it. If they doubted, He reminded them of the past and the trustworthy nature of His character.

Remembrance can grow our faith just like it did God’s people in the Bible.

David concludes this Psalm with confidence in the Lord even when he was faced with death... the Lord preserved his life and helped him to rest and not fear. 

He said;

“For you will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful one to see decay. You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” Psalm 16:10-11, CSB

The best part about the closing of Psalm 16, is not only is it speaking to David’s life being saved from death and the grave, but it points to passages in the New Testament where we see that because of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave - we too can have fullness of joy in His presence.

Read these verses in the New Testament. 

“In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8, CSB 

“I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—” Philippians 1:23, CSB

“He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee” Luke 24:6, CSB

What does the death and resurrection of Jesus accomplish for believers?

While David recognized that it was God who preserved his life, those who believe in  the resurrection of Jesus who forgave our sins, defeated death and the grave, can enjoy a relationship with Him both every day and in His presence in heaven.

Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for our sin and rising so that in You, we can also defeat the grave and enjoy eternity in your presence. Amen.

Written by: Jenny Howell