June 26th, 2016
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Persecuted and Preserved

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Opening Prayer

God, whatever leads me into trouble–my actions, the actions of others or things beyond human control–You are the one I trust.

Read Psalm 17:1-15

[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.

Meditate

“Search me, God, and know my heart. . . See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psa. 139:23,24).

Think Further

Often in the Psalms, the cry is for forgiveness and mercy, but here it is a prayer for deliverance and protection rather than for restoration. Unlike the writer who knows pain as a consequence of sin; here the psalmist protests his innocence (3-5). We may find such a claim difficult, knowing our own sin and failure, but at least the writer is open to God’s examination (3). While we might not see ourselves in quite the same light, it is worth remembering that in Christ there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1). It is also worth laying our thoughts, motives and behavior open to the searching eye of God, for it is when we recognize our sin, repent of it, turn to God and live in obedience that relationship with him is restored and we experience the full extent of his love and protection (8).

 

At the heart of the prayer is the covenant relationship with the God who has promised to protect his people. The prayer for vengeance may seem alien from a Christian perspective, but if justice is to prevail evil must be dealt with–though left with God to avenge. The writer longs for preservation–not simply for its own sake but so that he might continue to enjoy the favor of God and a close relationship with him. This may be the key to a Christian reading of the psalm. We can rightly pray to God for deliverance from those “enemies” (9) who would seek to damage our relationship with God, whatever form they take, knowing that behind them is one who is like a prowling lion (12; 1 Pet. 5:8). We can take comfort from the fact that we too are part of God’s covenant people and that he is committed to working out his purposes in our life.

Apply

What threatens your relationship with God? Sin, temptation, opposition, doubts? Pray that God will protect you and preserve your faith.

Closing prayer

Loving God, I look to You. Above all, I want to be near You, to know Your heart and to grow to be a child who resembles my Father in this world.

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