Bible Reading: Psalms 17

Psalms 17 HCSB

A Prayer for Protection

A Davidic prayer.

1 Lord, hear a just cause; pay attention to my cry;
listen to my prayer- from lips free of deceit. 
2 Let my vindication come from You,
[for] You see what is right.  
3 You have tested my heart; You have visited by night; 
You have tried me and found nothing [evil]; 
I have determined that my mouth will not sin.  
4 Concerning what people do:
by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps are on Your paths; my feet have not slipped.  
6 I call on You, God, because You will answer me;
listen closely to me; hear what I say. 
7 Display the wonders of Your faithful love,
Savior of all who seek refuge 
from those who rebel against Your right hand.  
8 Guard me as the apple of Your eye; 
hide me in the shadow of Your wings 
9 from the wicked who treat me violently,
my deadly enemies who surround me.  
10 They have become hardened; their mouths speak arrogantly.  
11 They advance against me; now they surround me. 
They are determined to throw [me] to the ground.  
12 They are like a lion eager to tear,
like a young lion lurking in ambush. 
13 Rise up, Lord! Confront him; bring him down.
With Your sword, save me from the wicked.  
14 With Your hand, Lord, [save me] from men, 
from men of the world, whose portion is in this life:
You fill their bellies with what You have in store,
their sons are satisfied, and they leave their surplus to their children.  
15 But I will see Your face in righteousness; 
when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence.

    
      This psalm is traditionally believed to have been written by David while he was on the run from Saul before he became king, most likely at the time of 1Samuel 23:25-26. That time was very difficult in Davids life, as he was constantly fleeing from Saul's army and did not know that he would live to see another day other than the fact that God had promised him thing would get better. Sometimes in our own daily lives it can be difficult to see the hand of Gods protection and guidance even though we know the promises that he has made, and that he works on our behalf. It is usually only after the storm has passed that we can see how He guided us through it.