June 14, 2015
Scripture: Psalm 17:1-8
A prayer of David.
1Hear me, Lord, my plea is just;
listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2Let my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
3Though 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.
4Though people tried to bribe me,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded.
5My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not stumbled.
6I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
Questions for Reflection:
David begins this psalm like many of the psalms. He begins with a cry for justice and assistance. Why do you think David so often cried out to God for help? Do you do that as well? Why or why not?
David was confident that when he cried out to God that God would respond. What words or phrases in this passage convey that confident assurance to the reader? One phrase from this particular psalm that has always jumped out to me is “Keep me as the apple of your eye.” It’s amazing that God doesn’t just tolerate us. He doesn’t just like us. He love us with crazy love. David felt as if he was the apple of God’s eye, His most treasured relationship. One person has said that if God has a refrigerator, your picture is on it. Let the beauty of that personal relationship fuel your worship today. Pray and ask God for help, but remember that the help is coming from someone who loves you and views you as the apple of their eye.