"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. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." Psalm 16: 7-9

“Therefore” (v.9)

1. “Preserve me, O God” = Ultimate dependence upon the shepherding goodness of the Lord

2. The Lord is our ultimate good

3. An affection and love for God’s people

4. Observe life with the attendant convictions - “the sorrows of those who run after another God shall multiply”

5. The preserving goodness of the Lord

6. The power of meditation and thinking well (v.7-9)

Principles

1. To live well (maintaining and pursuing happiness) you must think well. “Therefore”

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” Ephesians 4:1

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:1-2

2.To live well (maintaining and pursuing happiness) you must be intentional.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” 1 Peter 4:1

3. To live well you must develop habits of grace. (Understanding the power and authority of Scripture).

“If we starve ourselves on mental junk and replace it with what is true, admirable, right, pure, beautiful and attractive, peace will stand as a sentinel all around our feelings and thoughts, creating an impregnable fortress of calm and tranquility. The ‘peace of God’ and the ‘God of peace’ will be with you.” David Murray, The Happy Christian, p 27

QUESTIONS

1. Why is it important that we think well, i.e. with theological depth and integrity?

2. How are thinking well and living well connected?

3. How do we arm ourselves? 1 Peter 1

4. How are some believers like the observant, foolish campers who do not abide by the rules while in bear country?