What does Psalm 16:9 mean?

Because the Lord is always at David's right hand—symbolizing God's protection and support—he rejoices with everything he is (Mark 12:30). Even the thought of death does not disturb David. He believes the Lord will keep him secure even in the event of death (Psalm 16:10–11). David knows he will live so long as God intends him to (Psalm 39:4), and after that, he will still be guided and protected by the Lord.

Death naturally inspires fear, but Christian believers have reason not to be afraid. For those who put their faith in Christ, death is simply a transfer of the believer from earth to glory, from the presence of sin into the presence of the Savior. In 2 Corinthians 5:6–8, the apostle Paul writes: "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." In Philippians 1:21 he testifies: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."