Merriam-Webster.com defines a benefit as something that produces good or helpful results, effects, or promotes well-being.
What benefit comes to your mind first, given that definition?
Perhaps your mind leaps first to the financial or medical benefits one receives from an employer.
Or are you thinking about healthy lifestyle activities that benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally?
Maybe a strong network of friends and family struck you first.
What else would you list as a benefit based on the definition above?
King David from the Old Testament reveals his perspective on the greatest benefit of all.
Join me in studying Psalm 16 today.
How Do We Benefit from God?
A Study of Psalm 16 | The Passage
1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.” [i]
List the benefits found in God.
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight. [ii]
How is fellowship with other saints a benefit from God?
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips. [iii]
What does praising God protect us from?
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. [iv]
List what the Lord can do for us.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. [v]
How does this reveal God’s nearness?
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption. [vi]
How complete is God’s protection?
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. [vii]
What are the benefits of being a God follower?
How Do We Benefit from God?
A Study of Psalm 16 | The New Testament Connection
In Acts 2, the disciples of Christ were gathered together in one place when the promised gift of the Holy Spirit arrived. (Acts 2:1-4)
The Holy Spirit’s arrival resulted in the disciples being able to speak to all who had gathered in Jerusalem in their own languages. This stunned the observers and caused quite a commotion of both astonishment and skepticism. (Acts 2:5-13)
Peter then addresses the crows by claiming the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32 had just been fulfilled and reminds them of Jesus of Nazareth. (Acts 2:14-22)
Having reviewed this context, read the next part of Peter’s address.
23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,
“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.[viii]
How does Peter apply Psalm 16 to Christ?
Does it matter whether David knew he was writing Psalm 16 about Christ? Why or why not?
List the benefits from God according to Peter’s address in Acts 2.
How Do We Benefit from God?
A Study of Psalm 16 | Application Questions
List all the benefits from God you discovered in Psalm 16 and Acts 2.
How has this review of scripture built your confidence in God and Jesus?
Describe why God and Jesus are a suitable benefit for you.
Do you agree that God and Jesus are all you truly need? Why or why not?
List ways you can celebrate how God and Jesus bring your soul satisfaction.
How has God kept you secure?
What is your hope for eternity?
What is your primary takeaway from Psalm 16 and Acts 2 regarding the benefits from God?
Is there anything you need to do differently in your daily routine because of these benefits? If so, describe your plan of action.
Who do you know that needs to be encouraged with this same confidence? How will you share it with them in the days to come?
How Do We Benefit from God?
A Study of Psalm 16 | A Prayer Response
Heavenly Father, thank you for your provision of King David’s psalm of assurance regarding all your benefits.
We praise you for Peter sharing that David’s words revealed what you accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Thank you for providing the scriptures to reveal to us how much you provide for us. Help us live our lives in ways that reveal to others that we trust and obey You alone for all we need.
Strengthen our confidence in the truth of your word and the risen Jesus Christ.
Open our hearts to encourage others on their own faith journey, as you have encouraged us today.
Amen.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:1–2.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:3.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:4.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:5–6.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:7–8.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:9–10.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 16:11.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ac 2:23–32.