Psalm 17 - 3.9.26

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 17:1 - 15

1  Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2  Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

3  Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.

4  Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.

5  My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

6  I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

7  Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8  Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

9  from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10 They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

11  They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

12  They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

13  Rise up, Lord, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked.

14  By your hand save me from such people, Lord, from those of this world whose reward is in this life. May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones.

15  As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

OBSERVATION

In this passage, David is crying out to God, his sole Redeemer, whom he acknowledges for justice. David humbly comes to God to save him from his enemies. He comes with an innocent heart, with no ill will, and with assurance. David was only seeking vindication from God and not man. He understood that God was merciful, even to the wicked, providing them with earthly blessings that were temporary. David was seeking God, His protection and all of the spiritual blessings that comes with Him.

APPLICATION

We, as Christians, must remember that Christ is our Redeemer, not only spiritually but in our daily walk with Him. We can seek refuge from the trials of life such as worry, doubt, sickness, bad relationships, financial issues, job issues, etc. We may not have enemies trying to take our lives, such as David did or our brothers and sisters facing persecution in various parts of the world, but we have an enemy that is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). God will vindicate us from Satan’s accusations from our past, and protect us from the tools that Satan may try to use to cause us to stumble. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 6:11, “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” With a repentant heart, we can boldly come to God and be sheltered. If we seek Him first for every situation in our lives, we can truly find peace. 

PRAYER

Lord, I thank You for being a God that listens and hears our prayers when we are in distress, regardless of the situation. I thank You, Jesus, for giving us direction of comfort, and not to worry when you said to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Lord Jesus, I ask You to protect me from Satan’s attacks. I ask You to help me remember Your words and to seek You during the unpredictable emergencies and trials that life will bring. I pray that I put all of my trust in You. Amen

- Darrence Hamilton