I will bless the LORD, who has given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Psalms 16:7-8

Herein is a double reference, written by David, but reflecting the prayer of the Messiah and His first coming.

He became like us to set us free; may His prayer be unto us to keep us free.

The phrase, He has given me counsel, should birth in us the understanding of a fellowship with the Lord our God.

For a counsel that is given, is a counsel that was received. To receive, we must be in His presence, by letting go of our many human feelings and the nature that so easily control us. This we do by faith, considering He already knows that which we are feeling, shall we then not trust in Him? Certainly.

Next we read; my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. The word “reins” have to do with the most secret feelings, purposes, and methods of the soul to reason, and for human, the choice of reason is usually fear and uncertainty.

So then, as we read the phrase; my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

That is to say, when we are in His presence, His counsel teaches us, and guides us, and in the night our conscience warns us, to trust in Him, when we learn to be in His presence. If the day is busy to keep us from the receiving of His counsel, let the ease of the night bring us into His peace. In the words of Henry, at night silence and retirement will befriend our communion with God. His kindest visits are often in the night.

Whether it is the night hour, or symbolically the darkest time, let us earnestly seek His counsel. Then we shall say:

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 rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalms 16:8-9

For no one who hopes in the Lord will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous (dangerous) without cause.

Insight to the Psalms

The Psalm expresses a confident expectation in the Lord for life and happiness, and the eternal life to come. Based on the evidence that true attachment to God will expresses the deep conviction of assurance in those who loves the Lord, knowing He first loved us, and He will never leave us.