Psalm 17

David stands tried and true, confident and peaceful in a desperate situation.

Sometimes I wish we had more information.   What's the background of this prayer of David.  Which situation is he facing when he prays this prayer?  

He begins by asking God to listen, to hear and give attention.  This seems like a moot point when
put up against David's many statements about how God will rescue and deliver His own, and his confident expressions of God's love and steadfastness.  Why ask Him to listen, if you believe He already knows?

Yes, God does already know everything about you and the situation.  But prayer is beneficial to us.....in that it keeps us in relationship with Him.   We come to Him as children to a father, asking for help and substance. Prayer before Him helps us focus on WHO He is and our weakness before Him.  

Here, David is sure of his innocence (this makes me think maybe he is accused of wrong?) He states that God has tested and tried him and found no evil in his heart.  Rather than try to establish his own rightfulness, he asks God to vindicate him.  How wise!  When we defend ourselves, doors open for sin to creep in.....pride, self advancement, over confidence in our abilities, anger toward the other party, and harsh words that injure.  But is God vindicates us.......the job is done well indeed.

David has determined ahead of time to speak wisely, and not sin with his mouth.   I know I need to take the same attitude.   Often I do, only to fall very quickly.

But David took the next step......He not only determined to not sin with his mouth,   he asked God to help him in this.  He asks God to make his steps sure so that he will not slip.  Oh that I would always do the same!    How quickly I become self sufficient.

David, again is confident that God hears and will save.   A study note in the RSB says it this way....."God treats His own as especially precious."

The situation is desperate it seems....the enemy is compared to a lion ready to pounce and eat.  He is surrounded!  But even in this situation, this prayer doesn't seem as intensely emotional as other have.  David seems to be quite peaceful and confident......Even when he asks God to rise up and act!

I love how verse 14 and 15 contrast the wicked and the righteous again.

The wicked only have the here and now for their pleasure and comfort.  They amass goods and accolades, possessions and money, yet their only hope for the future is to leave it all behind to their families.  After that, what?  David says that they 'are satisfied with their children, and leave their posessions to their babes.'

Bu what of the godly?  Simply this:   we will be satisfied when we see God face to face......when we awake in His likeness.   We have a sure hope for the future....beyond the grave, while the wicked do not.

So thankful for the promises of God, the hope for eternity (a SURE hope, not an 'i wish' kinda hope)
Thankful for this Word where He has revealed Himself to us.  Thankful that He calls us to come to Him in prayer, and that He hears.    Thankful for the shadow of His wings.  And even the testing of my soul, both when He finds no evil and when He does find it and roots it out.