EGW WritingsPsalms 16

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 178, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 178, 1903, par. 3

Psalms 15 and 16. Here we have defined the characters of that class who shall possess the character of Christ and represent that character in the world. In 2 Peter (chapter 1) we have plainly defined who shall be of that class who shall have the eternal-life insurance policy. Verse 10. Here is practical, spiritual work to be done by diligently obeying God’s commandments. The promises of God, taken hold of through faith in the One who stands back of the promise—Jesus Christ—will have an all-powerful influence in making men who have faith like God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 15, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 15, 1905, par. 17

You will walk carefully, lest you make crooked paths by which weak, struggling, halting souls shall be led out of the way. You will refuse to co-operate with worldly men to carry out worldly principles. As you realize that you have a work to do for God, the temptations and allurements of the world will not tempt you from the path of equity and uprightness. The whole life will bear the testimony, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” “O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art God. ... The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup.” [Psalm 73:25, 26; 16:2, 5.] With the eye of faith you will behold the invisible, and the soul will find its strength in the One who never fails. He is the joy of your life.

The Great Controversy

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning

GC 310.1

It was needful that men should be awakened to their danger; that they should be roused to prepare for the solemn events connected with the close of probation. The prophet of God declares: “The day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?” Who shall stand when He appeareth who is “of purer eyes than to behold evil,” and cannot “look on iniquity”? Joel 2:11; Habakkuk 1:13. To them that cry, “My God, we know Thee,” yet have transgressed His covenant, and hastened after another god, hiding iniquity in their hearts, and loving the paths of unrighteousness—to these the day of the Lord is “darkness, and not light, even very dark, and no brightness in it.” Hosea 8:2, 1; Psalm 16:4; Amos 5:20. “It shall come to pass at that time,” saith the Lord, “that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil.” Zephaniah 1:12. “I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” Isaiah 13:11. “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them;” “their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation.” Zephaniah 1:18, 13.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning

GC88 309.3

It was needful that men should be awakened to their danger; that they should be roused to prepare for the solemn events connected with the close of probation. The prophet of God declares: “The day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?” [Joel 2:11.] Who shall stand when He appeareth who is “of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity?” [Habakkuk 1:13.] To them that cry, “My God, we know thee,” yet have transgressed his covenant, and hastened after another god, [Hosea 8:2, 1; Psalm 16:4.] hiding iniquity in their hearts, and loving the paths of unrighteousness, to these, the day of the Lord is “darkness, and not light, even very dark, and no brightness in it.” [Amos 5:20.] “It shall come to pass at that time,” saith the Lord, “that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees; that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil.” [Zephaniah 1:12.] “I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” [Isaiah 13:11.] “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them;” “their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation.” [Zephaniah 1:18, 13.]

Radiant Religion

Recall with Joy the Bright Spots in Life, March 30

RRe 91.1

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16:6.

Psalm 16:5, 6, Moffatt.

My Life Today

Harmonious Social Life, December 21

ML 359.1

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16:6.

God’s Amazing Grace

Abiding in Christ, October 12

AG 293.2

Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness—all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly—by abiding in Him—that we grow in grace. He is not only the author, but the finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. David says, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8).

Steps to Christ

Chapter 8—Growing Up Into Christ

SC 69.1

Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now they seek by their own efforts to live aright. But every such effort must fail. Jesus says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness,—all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly,—by abiding in Him,—that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. David says, “I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8.

That I May Know Him

Spiritual Muscle and Sinew, October 3

TMK 282.3

It is coming in contact with difficulties that will give you spiritual muscle and sinew. You will become strong in Christ if you endure the testing process and the proving of God.... Remember when trials come that you are a spectacle to angels and to men, and that every time you fail to bear the proving of the Lord you are lessening your spiritual strength. You should hold your peace from complaining, and take your burden to Jesus, and lay your whole soul open before Him. Do not carry it to a third person. Do not lay your burden upon humanity. Say, “I will not gratify the enemy by murmuring. I will lay my care at the feet of Jesus. I will tell it to Him in faith.” If you do this you will receive help from above; you will realize the fulfillment of the promise, “He is on my right hand that I should not be moved” (see Psalm 16:8).4The Review and Herald, August 6, 1889.

The Faith I Live By

Something Better! August 19

FLB 237.1

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8.

The Upward Look

Seek Divine, Not Human, Counsel, April 3

UL 107.4

What did Christ promise His disciples if they would believe in Him as their personal Saviour? “Lo, I am with you alway,” He said, “even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Again He says, “I am at thy right hand to help thee” (see Psalm 16:8). Think of how many promises He has given us, which we may grasp by the hand of faith. When we go to the Source of power, we know that we shall receive that intelligence and wisdom which comes from a pure source, which is not mixed with anything of humanity. As we pray, it is our privilege to know that God wants us to pray, to ask Him for help. “Ask, and ye shall receive” (John 16:24). It is for you to believe that you will receive. He wants us to become acquainted with Him, to speak to Him, to tell Him of our difficulties, and obtain an experience in asking of One who never misjudges and never makes a mistake....

To Be Like Jesus

Seek God for Wisdom, April 4

BLJ 104.5

Enoch walked with God. So may every laborer for Christ. You may say with the psalmist, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8). While you feel that you have no sufficiency of yourself, your sufficiency will be in Jesus. If you expect all your counsel and wisdom to come from other people, mortal and finite like yourselves, you will receive only human help. If you go to God for help and wisdom, He will never disappoint your faith.—Gospel Workers, 417, 418.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 144, 1901

2SAT 164.4

I cannot tell you how many letters came to me across the broad Pacific, when I was in Australia, asking for counsel. What did Christ promise His disciples if they would believe in Him as their personal Saviour? “Lo, I am with you alway,” He said, “even unto the end of the world” [Matthew 28:20]. Again He says, “I am at thy right hand to help thee” [see Psalm 16:8]. Think of how many promises He has given us, which we may grasp by the hand of faith. When we go to the Source of power, we know that we shall receive that intelligence and wisdom which comes from the pure source, which is not mixed with anything of humanity. As we pray, it is our privilege to know that God wants us to pray, to ask Him for help. “Ask, and ye shall receive” [John 16:24]. It is for you to believe that you will receive. He wants us to become acquainted with Him, to speak to Him, to tell Him of our difficulties, and obtain an experience in asking of One who never misjudges and never makes a mistake.

With God at Dawn

I Shall Not Be Moved, June 18

WGD 171.1

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 36, 1878

3LtMs, Lt 36, 1878, par. 6

I say it over and over, as selfish desires arise, Working not only for time, but for eternity. But, my dear, dear children, do not settle down with any commonplace experience. Nothing short of walking with God should be your ambition. Let the divine light shine in your countenance, because [if] shed abroad in your heart, you will have power with God and with man. I tell you, Willie, why the truth is not more powerful in the conversion of souls. It is because the bearers of it are not sanctified by the truth they profess. Jesus is a power enshrined in the heart. He will be revealed in the life. Rest not unless you have the abiding witness that Christ is in you and you in Christ. May you say, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” Psalm 16:8. Dear children, my heart goes out for you daily in earnest prayer. I believe God will strengthen and bless you and make you instruments of much [good].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 25a, 1891

7LtMs, Ms 25a, 1891, par. 27

Money-getting is the reward of a certain class of ability. But who gave these talents? It was God: and He gave them to be used for His glory. The same infinite One who gave Jesus Christ to our world, “Who for our sakes became poor that we, through his poverty, might be made rich.” [2 Corinthians 8:9.] Then what is the position of the follower of Christ? “He that will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me, so shall he be my disciple.” [See Luke 9:23.] Who are following Christ? Who are His true and loyal workers? Those who have the anointing of the Holy Spirit are alone safe to handle sacred things. We are embraced in the promise, “For the promise is unto you and to your children, and all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” [Acts 2:39.] With David they may say, “I put the Lord always before my face: he is on my right hand, I shall not be moved.” [Psalm 16:8; Acts 2:25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 91, 1891

7LtMs, Lt 91, 1891, par. 10

The heavenly voice has said to me again and again [that] every true follower of Jesus Christ will have the spirit of a martyr. He will be, if he is indeed Christ’s, ready for any and every sacrifice, and will surrender life itself rather than surrender sacred and holy trust. Convictions must be deep wrought in the soul that heaven is so valuable a treasure you cannot afford to lose it. And looking to heaven to say, “I have set the Lord ever before me, because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” [Psalm 16:8.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Christ Their Counselor

GW92 237.1

Go to God and tell him as did Moses, “I cannot lead this people unless thy presence shall go with me.” And then ask still more; pray with Moses, “Show me thy glory.” [Exodus 33:18.] What is this glory?—The character of God. This is what he proclaimed to Moses. Let the soul, in living faith, fasten upon God. Let the tongue speak his praise. When you associate together, let the mind be reverently turned to the contemplation of eternal realities. Thus you will be helping one another to be spiritually minded. When your will is in harmony with the divine will, you will be in harmony with one another; you will have Christ by your side as a counselor. Enoch walked with God; so may every one of the laborers for Christ. You may say with the psalmist, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” [Psalm 16:8.] While you feel that you have no sufficiency of yourself, your sufficiency will be in Jesus.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 9, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 9, 1893, par. 14

You have, my dear brother in Christ, not cultivated spirituality and grown in grace. Self in you must die. Self-importance must be laid in the dust. O, remember that God is a present God, and that you have a fearful account to render at His bar unless your sins are washed away in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. You should be able to say, “I have seen the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” [Psalm 16:8; Acts 2:25.] You must be renewed, transformed, converted, and your whole life should be ordered and fashioned after the likeness of Christ. God has given you capabilities and talents to use wholly to His glory. God will not accept a divided half-and-half service.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 121, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 121, 1898, par. 34

Even though you may not feel able to speak a word to those who are working on wrong principles, leave them. Your withdrawal and silence may do more than words. Nehemiah refused to associate with those who were untrue to principle, and he would not permit his workmen to associate with them. The love and fear of God was his safeguard. He lived and worked as in view of the unseen world. And David said, “I have set the Lord ever before me.” [Psalm 16:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 119, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 13

Let us serve God with pure, unalloyed motives, working with an eye single to His glory. The language of our heart should be, “I have set the Lord ever before me.” [Psalm 16:8.] If this principle regulates our actions, our faith will increase, and we will make the Lord Jesus our Pattern in all things.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 174, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 174, 1906, par. 10

All things will soon be developed. The work of our institutions is in vain, unless the workers in these institutions link up with Christ Jesus and walk and work in accordance with the Divine Pattern. We need to be converted anew and to form Christlike character. We need to receive the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. All haughtiness, which impedes the advancement of God’s work, must be put away. Self must be subdued. My dear brother and sister, Take hold of the sacred work for which the Melrose Sanitarium has been established. With pure, unalloyed motives, work on with an eye single to the glory of God. Let the language of the heart be, “I have set the Lord ever before me.” [Psalm 16:8.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 406, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 406, 1906, par. 9

“I have set the Lord always before me: Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” [Psalm 16:8.] Say to yourself, I believe in God. I will live sincerely before Him who knows my mind, who understands my every purpose. If in His sight I am true and clean, I shall be accepted in the heavenly courts. Reliance on God always brings a calmness and a balance of mind, steadying and controlling the actions.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Secret Prayer

GW 258.1

It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this,—to be linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. [See Psalm 16:8.]

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

Looking to Men for Counsel

GW 417.4

Enoch walked with God. So may every laborer for Christ. You may say with the psalmist, “I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”[Psalm 16:8.] While you feel that you have no sufficiency of yourself, your sufficiency will be in Jesus. If you expect all your counsel and wisdom to come from men, mortal and finite like yourselves, you will receive only human help. If you go to God for help and wisdom, He will never disappoint your faith.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]

1—The President

9MR 141.5

Enoch walked with God. So may every laborer for Christ. You may say with the psalmist, “I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved” (Psalm 16:8). While you feel that you have no sufficiency of yourself, your sufficiency will be in Jesus. If you expect all your counsel and wisdom to come from men, mortal and finite like yourselves, you will receive only human help. If you go to God for help and wisdom He will never disappoint your faith.

Our High Calling

Unmoved in a Shaken World, December 14

OHC 354.1

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8.

Prayer

Chapter 16—Private Prayer

Pr 187.6

Our Prayers Cannot Be Lost—It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this,—to be linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand. [See Psalm 16:8.]

Reflecting Christ

Growing Up Into Christ, September 2

RC 259.1

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8.

Sons and Daughters of God

He Is Ever Before Us, We Shall Not Be Moved, January 21

SD 27.1

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]

MR No. 297—Miscellaneous Manuscript Items

5MR 160.3

Copenhagen, Wednesday, October 14, 1885—It is foggy this morning, but think it will clear away. Last night I spoke in the hall to all that it would seat. They listened with interest. My text was Psalm 16:8, 9. I had much freedom in speaking.—Manuscript 25, 1885, 3, 5-9. (“First Visit to Denmark,” diary, October 6-14, 1885.)

My Life Today

Health and Happiness, May 29

ML 153.1

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16:8, 9.

Radiant Religion

Communion with the Lord Brings Gladness, May 5

RRe 127.1

I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. Psalm 16:8, 9.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 25, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 25, 1885, par. 30

It is foggy this morning, but think it will clear away. Last night I spoke in the hall to all that it would seat. They listened with interest. My text was Psalm 16:8, 9. I had much freedom in speaking. I felt like saying something to arouse them from their lethargy and stupor. It seems to be a difficult matter to create an interest in religious things in these large cities; and yet this field, hard as it is, must be more promising than India or China; and why should not those who have a desire for missionary work come to this irreligious, Christless city and make some efforts here? How strange Copenhagen is sending missionaries to far-off places to convert the heathen, when there are just as great heathen—as far as the knowledge of God and His Word are concerned—right in their midst; but pleasure, amusement, dancing and card playing, gambling, beer drinking, and deplorable ignorance which always follow in the train of Christless indulgence are flooding the city. In passing men and women upon the street, you are compelled to have your senses regaled with the strong scent of beer mingled with tobacco. But as far as this is concerned, the tobacco habit is as generally followed in America as in Denmark, and there is less regard to real politeness that is due to one another than I have seen in Denmark.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 133a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 133a, 1898, par. 14

“I will set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved; therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope.” [Psalm 16:8, 9.] Sin has expelled from the heart the love of God. “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you that ye also love one another; by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ... This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” [John 13:34, 35; 15:12.]

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 22—Thessalonica

AA 227.1

But He who was to suffer death at the hands of evil men was to rise again as a conqueror over sin and the grave. Under the inspiration of the Almighty the Sweet Singer of Israel had testified of the glories of the resurrection morn. “My flesh also,” he joyously proclaimed, “shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [the grave]; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Psalm 16:9, 10.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 22—A Revival and a Riot at Thessalonica

TT 120.4

12. But He who was to suffer death at the hands of evil men was to rise again as a conqueror: “My flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [the grave]; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.” Psalm 16:9, 10.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 115, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 115, 1897, par. 4

When Mary found the stone rolled away from the door of the tomb, “she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulcher, and we know not where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying: yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in that other disciple also, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, ....” [John 20:2, 3, 5-9.] “Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to see corruption.” [Psalm 16:10.] “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for he shall receive me.” [Psalm 49:15.]

God’s Amazing Grace

Everlasting Happiness, December 21

AG 363.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

To Be Like Jesus

Stay Close to Jesus and Become Like Him, July 19

BLJ 213.1

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11, NKJV.

Homeward Bound

True Joy, September 4

HB 273.1

In Your presence is fullness of joy.—Psalm 16:11.

Radiant Religion

We Shall Rejoice in God’s Pleasures Forevermore, December 31

RRe 367.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Source of All True Pleasure and Satisfaction, October 5

JNN 294.1

In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.—Psalm 16:11

In Heavenly Places

The Happiest People, February 25

HP 62.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

Lift Him Up

A Fountain of Pleasure and Joy, March 18

LHU 91.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

Maranatha

Glories of the Eternal World, December 13

Mar 355.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

My Life Today

Recreation Refreshes and Invigorates, July 26

ML 211.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

Our Father Cares

The Happiest People, June 5

OFC 168.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

The Faith I Live By

Fullness of Joy, August 8

FLB 226.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

The Upward Look

Look to God for Help, November 30

UL 348.1

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.

This Day With God

His Abiding Presence, March 28

TDG 96.1

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11.