Troubles Multiply

Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.

Psalm 16:4

Israel was called to be holy because their God is holy and righteous. However, not everyone in the land was holy. Most of them worshipped other gods, performed offerings, and participated in false faiths. In this verse, David says that their "troubles" will "multiply." In running after other gods, one would trade the delight of God for multiplied sorrows.

But to those who treasure God and live for God, "they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." All his delight, his joy, his pleasure. He doesn’t mean that he has delight in God’s people instead of God or above God. David means that godless people don’t give him delight in their godless ways; only the godly do. What delights him about people is how they treasure God and exalt God (Psalm 16:3).

I WILL NOT TAKE PART...

We, too, should not dare to run after other gods. It is foolish to turn away from the God of hope, refuge, and strength only to embrace other gods that cannot hear, speak, or answer and would, in the end, leave you sorrowful.

When we hear the word "idol," we usually think of a statue, an image, or a physical idol. But it's not just that. Idolatry is entering into any kind of self-seeking transaction that is apart from faith in God and His ways to seek our own happiness. The reality of seeking happiness in any manner apart from God's command to focus on serving and loving others is that it will inevitably lead to misery and self-harm. The commandments of God are clear: "You shall have no other gods before Me... You shall not make for yourselves an idol... You shall not worship them or serve them... You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." (Deuteronomy 5:7-11). He gives us His commands in order to instruct us in the ways that lead us to life.

Worship God, who is the creator of all things, not the gods that are created by human hands!

Psalm 16:3

As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”

Deuteronomy 5:7-11

Deuteronomy 10:13