Friday, September 4, 2020

Psalm 17

 

1 A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.

2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.

3 You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

4 Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.

5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.

6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.

7 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them.

8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,

9 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly.

11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,

12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.

13 Arise, O LORD, Confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,

14 With Your hand from men, O LORD, From men of the world who have their portion in this life, And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.

15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

  Psalm 17 (NKJV)

 This psalm gives us good advice to follow in our daily walk as believers.  David beseeches God to listen to his prayer because it is sincere.  God hates deceitful lips and so should we. We must be honest in our prayer, laying things out before Him as they really are (rather than withholding details that are unfavorable to us). God knows anyhow and we can trust Him to deal with our cause rightly. 

 

David notes that God has tested his heart.  Similarly, we should ask God to search us and know our hearts, to try us and see if there is any wicked way in us (Psalm 139:23-24). Then we must also be willing to submit to any correction that God brings to our heart in response.  

 

In addition, David asks that God uphold his steps so that he will not slip. When we are willing to walk in obedience and submission to the Lord’s will, He will show us the path to take and guard our steps. We need to stay in His presence to find wisdom and protection.

 

Finally, David seeks God’s deliverance from his enemies, those who oppress him.  When we take a stand for Christ, when we speak truth in love, when we walk according to our new nature rather than in conformity to this world, we will have enemies. Just as Jesus was hated, He warns that His followers also will be hated for His name’s sake (Matthew 10:22).  If we are not encountering any opposition or hostility in the world today, that should be a warning to reassess our priorities and our witness.  Let us be bold for the cause of Christ! 

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