Seeing God’s Face
Opening Prayer
Lord of Glory, my heart burns with longing for the day that I will see You face to face.
Read Psalm 17:1-15
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1]A prayer of David. 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does the psalmist describe the God-fearing?Isn’t David somewhat overconfident? Arrogant, even? The first five verses aren’t the sort of prayer most of us would pray. But David isn’t claiming sinlessness. He’s saying that he has devoted his life to avoiding deliberate sin and bad company. He is sufficiently confident in his claim to call on God to examine him and see that it is true. (Elsewhere, e.g., Psalms 32 and 51, we see that David can be very aware of his sin when he does fail.) What David is seeking from God is relationship and protection. He wants to be close to God (8,9) because that is where he will find protection from the enemies who beset him for much of his early life. Those who oppose David (and oppose God) find their satisfaction solely in the things of this world (14). As then, so today! David knows he can trust God to provide in this life and there is even more yet to come. David soars to a high note to finish his prayer. His relationship with God will not end when this life ends but (“when I awake,” 15) will continue into the life to come.
Apply
Spend time reflecting on your relationship with God. Ask him to deepen that relationship and help you to “see his face.”
Closing prayer
Lord, I have purposed to live for You and to put aside the things of this world.
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