Psalm 17

THOUGHT FOR TODAY-

As a child I wondered where God lived in outer space and how long it would take to get there. Far beyond intergalactic space with its billions of swirling nebulae and novas lies another dimension. Some speculate it's the fifth dimension. Wherever it is and however far out, the Bible calls it the highest of heavens.

You cannot go there in a rocket ship. That's because heaven exists beyond even speeded-up time. Traveling at a zillion miles per hour might catapult you instantly to the edge of our universe, but to take a step into the third heaven requires something different, for our flesh and blood cannot enter it. You must be born again or you cannot, as Jesus warned, "see the kingdom of God."

Joni Eareckson Tada, Christian Reader, Vol. 33, no. 5.

PSALM 17

"GOD IS SPIRIT" (John 4:24) and therefore does not have a body. Sometimes Scripture uses the parts of the human body to describe God's activities with respect to His people. He does not have eyes, but He sees us; He does not have ears, but He hears our cries. David referred to four of these in this psalm.

GOD'S EARS (1‑2). The enemy opposed David's just cause, so he cried out to God for vindication. David's prayer was sincere, and he wanted God to judge righteously.

GOD'S EYES (3‑5). DAVID HAD NOTHING TO HIDE. HIS HEART WAS RIGHT AND HIS WALK WAS RIGHTEOUS. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SAY THE SAME OF YOUR HEART AND WALK IF YOU EXPECT GOD TO ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS (Ps. 66:18).

GOD'S HAND (6‑14). David trusted not his own hand but the hand of God to protect him and to defeat the enemy. The pride of the enemy grieved David because he wanted God alone to be glorified.

GOD'S LIKENESS (15). God has in mind this goal when He permits you to go through trials: He wants to make you more like His Son (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3: 18). Although this verse may refer to future resurrection (I John 3:1‑3; see also I Cor. 15:49), it can be applied to life today. OUR LORD GOES WITH US INTO THE FURNACE SO THAT WE MAY BE MORE LIKE HIM WHEN WE COME OUT OF IT (Dan. 3:19‑25).

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

“Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc.”

(Psa 17 NIV)

Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer-- it does not rise from deceitful lips. {2} May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. {3} Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. {4} As for the deeds of men-- by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. {5} My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped. {6} I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. {7} Show the wonder 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 assail 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 great lion crouching in cover. {13} Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. {14} O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. {15} AND I--IN RIGHTEOUSNESS I WILL SEE YOUR FACE; WHEN I AWAKE, I WILL BE SATISFIED WITH SEEING YOUR LIKENESS.*