Psalm 16:15 “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”
David starts this Psalm with a petition to uphold his steps. Up until now, he had tried to be faithful and was determined to stay that way.
He testified that God had already “proved” (tested) him (vs. 3), and he was determined that God would not find any fault (sin) in him. He was even determined that God would not find any problems with his speech, too.
In verse 5, he asks God to protect him from falling away from God into sin. He prayed: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”
The Psalmist then complains of how the wicked continue to trouble him. He asks God to take care of them for him. He did not seek personal revenge.
The last verse in this Psalm is the most important. It further reveals David’s determination to walk right before God on earth. He said, “I will behold thy face in righteousness.” In other words, he will walk with God and stay in fellowship with Him and avoid sinning (which would hurt that fellowship).
David’s greatest joy, he knew, would only come after death, when he would have the likeness of God. At that time, he would be completely holy and able to see God His Savior face to face. On that day, we will have perfect victory and our battles here will be over.
What a day that will be for all of us who believe!