Random Encouragement from the Psalms - Pt. 3

 

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me. (Psalm 17:6-9 ESV).

 

In today’s verses we see another psalm written by David. Remember that he was called “a man after God’s own heart.” One thing is clear from his life from studying the Psalms: David was a man of prayer. It is not a stretch to see that he makes prayer his priority in times of need. This psalm is no exception. He is seeking God in the midst of persecution from his enemies. I am particularly fond of the verses I’ve chosen for our reading today. In his time of trouble, David turns to God with confidence that God will hear his prayer and answer him. He has learned that confidence through experience. He knows God and he knows God’s faithfulness.

 

Notice his experience has been that when he calls on the Lord he is answered (v. 6). History with our relationships is the only means to develop trust, or destroy it. I know from my own experience that my high level of trust in my family is born out of a long history of always having them come to my aid when necessary. When we read the history of God interacting with His people in both the Old and New Testament we are struck with the consistency of God’s response to their cry for help.

 

The next verse is even more revealing. David asks God to reveal His marvelous love. What a marvelous way of underlining that truth as we have just finished celebrating God’s love displayed through the precious blood of Christ. David shows us here that God is the God of salvation; he saves those who have been called and trust themselves to him. Have you noticed that when you look at yourself in the mirror, if you stare closely at the dark pupil in the center of your eye (known as “the apple”), you will see your image reflected there. Isn’t it amazing and wonderful that the holy and awesome Creator of this universe holds our image in the apple of His eye? He cares for us; He protects and covers us as a mother bird protects her chicks. We should, like David, ask for these things eagerly and confidently expect them to be true.

 

What do you need today from your heavenly Father? Ask and He will respond with His best for you!