Psalm 17 was in my quiet time this morning and I wanted to reflect on the recent convictions God placed on my heart and how Psalm 17 confirmed these things.
v2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright
It is only by God's grace that we have vindication (the act of being set free). When we have been saved by something, in this case death/sin, naturally we should want to live lives worthy of the grace bestowed upon us. So, I can understand David's request that God only look on the things in his life that are upright. But God can see all! He can see our weaknesses and the places where we may falter.
v4-5 Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip
.
My life, before Jesus, was so chaotic. I was on the path of destruction. Looking back I see how badly I was trying to find footing and a foundation of steadiness, sturdiness. But there was no way I could find that in my worldly life. I could not control my destiny no matter how hard I tried. By the time God made Himself known to me I was a wreck. Broken, confused, a mess. But God drew me to Him and His gifts of salvation, grace and love.
It has been a season of refinement in my faith. God continually refines my walk. I look back at the past (almost) 10 years and I am amazed at how far God has led me.
v7-8 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings
Lately I have been struggling with heart issues where I have been trying to control my circumstances instead of letting God lead. I liken this to trying to travel on a treadmill - We can expend a lot of energy towards getting someplace but we end up where we started but exhausted - no matter how hard or how long we run. Through God's faithfulness and His Word I have been examining my actions, my words, the way I speak to my friends, family, children and I see how in my heart I have been too focused on the way things appear instead of finding opportunities to extend the grace God has given to me.
v9-12 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.
As I read & reflect upon this verse I cant help but be reminded of this verse:
v2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright
It is only by God's grace that we have vindication (the act of being set free). When we have been saved by something, in this case death/sin, naturally we should want to live lives worthy of the grace bestowed upon us. So, I can understand David's request that God only look on the things in his life that are upright. But God can see all! He can see our weaknesses and the places where we may falter. v4-5 Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip
.
My life, before Jesus, was so chaotic. I was on the path of destruction. Looking back I see how badly I was trying to find footing and a foundation of steadiness, sturdiness. But there was no way I could find that in my worldly life. I could not control my destiny no matter how hard I tried. By the time God made Himself known to me I was a wreck. Broken, confused, a mess. But God drew me to Him and His gifts of salvation, grace and love.
It has been a season of refinement in my faith. God continually refines my walk. I look back at the past (almost) 10 years and I am amazed at how far God has led me.
v7-8 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings
Lately I have been struggling with heart issues where I have been trying to control my circumstances instead of letting God lead. I liken this to trying to travel on a treadmill - We can expend a lot of energy towards getting someplace but we end up where we started but exhausted - no matter how hard or how long we run. Through God's faithfulness and His Word I have been examining my actions, my words, the way I speak to my friends, family, children and I see how in my heart I have been too focused on the way things appear instead of finding opportunities to extend the grace God has given to me.
v9-12 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.
As I read & reflect upon this verse I cant help but be reminded of this verse:
1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
Its an intense visual.
v13 Arise, O Lord, Confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
Last year we studied and memorized Ephesians 6:1-24 which is the part of the bible that talks about the Armor of God. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God - I'm not sure if that is what this verse means, but it makes sense to me that my life is delivered by God's Word! When I falter & make mistakes, God's Word (with the help of the Holy Spirit) helps me to see it and cut it out of my life! When I get caught up in worldy things and my priorities get cloudy and confused - I can repent and get right by reading and meditating and praying by God's Word! Its an amazing thing and I am so thankful for it (and for the Holy Spirit)!
v14 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.
My heart responds to this verse. If we only live our lives to try to be satisfied or comfortable in this world we will pass on a legacy of worldliness to our children, and future generations.
v15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
Its an intense visual.
v13 Arise, O Lord, Confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
Last year we studied and memorized Ephesians 6:1-24 which is the part of the bible that talks about the Armor of God. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God - I'm not sure if that is what this verse means, but it makes sense to me that my life is delivered by God's Word! When I falter & make mistakes, God's Word (with the help of the Holy Spirit) helps me to see it and cut it out of my life! When I get caught up in worldy things and my priorities get cloudy and confused - I can repent and get right by reading and meditating and praying by God's Word! Its an amazing thing and I am so thankful for it (and for the Holy Spirit)!
My heart responds to this verse. If we only live our lives to try to be satisfied or comfortable in this world we will pass on a legacy of worldliness to our children, and future generations.
v15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
But, it is my hope and prayer that I would live a life of faith - and that faithfulness (with continually refinement) would be passed down to future generations. I am satisfied in the hope of living and worshipping my God forever. I want to follow after God and His righteousness. Everthing I need God can and will and has provided.
Lord, you are truly an amazing God. Thank you for loving me and saving me from my sin. Thank you for continually working in my life and extending your grace and mercy. Cut the things out of my life that need pruning. Cleanse my heart and my mind of thoughts that are destructive and evil. Lead me in your truth, and help me worship you in all that I say & do. Let me a live a life which brings honor and glory to you. I pray for my children, and, my childrens children - that they would be saved by your amazing grace and that they would dedicate their lives to your service. In Jesus Name, Amen.
As I was praying this song came to my mind.
http://youtu.be/lQ93HVuYd5Y
Lord, you are truly an amazing God. Thank you for loving me and saving me from my sin. Thank you for continually working in my life and extending your grace and mercy. Cut the things out of my life that need pruning. Cleanse my heart and my mind of thoughts that are destructive and evil. Lead me in your truth, and help me worship you in all that I say & do. Let me a live a life which brings honor and glory to you. I pray for my children, and, my childrens children - that they would be saved by your amazing grace and that they would dedicate their lives to your service. In Jesus Name, Amen.
As I was praying this song came to my mind.
http://youtu.be/lQ93HVuYd5Y
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