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Psalm 17:15

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 22, 2016

Psalm 17:15 “And I—in righteousness I will see your face;”

[Praise you, Lord Jesus, that you have given me your righteousness and opened the way so that I will see you in eternity, face to face. What a wonder, what a hope, what a high and wide security to face the future knowing where we are going. And what joy to see more and more of you here on earth in your Word, in your Works, and in your Wisdom.]
“when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”

[When I awake each morning, you are there, Lord Jesus, watching over me, having a prepared day with all that is needed: grace, wisdom, insight, discernment, challenges and opportunities.

Seeing you now, knowing now you is enough for joy—what an understatement! Seeing you through your word and works, veiled and dim as it is, is overwhelming, stupendous, enormous, majestic, transforming, marvelous and far more than enough.

When I awake from death you will be there, too. But how much more stupendous it will be when I awake in your full presence, seeing you without the veil of sin and selfishness. It will be indescribable.

I praise you for the daily revelations you give now from your Word and through your Spirit, as you remind of us truths taught and lessons learned so we can apply them again.

You are a marvel, a joy, a wonder, a glory. I praise you for the deep, rich, powerful and glorious privilege of being yours, of being with you, being in you.

As one who knows you so, may I be a hope carrier, a perspective bringer, and faith supplier to those around me as I pass through life. May the wonder of your love flow into and through me to those I meet today, giving you glory and honor and bringing further surrender and obedience in us all.]

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Psalm 17:12-14

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 21, 2016
Psalm 17:12 “…the wicked who assail me…are like a lion hungry for prey, like a great lion crouching in cover.”
 
[Like a beast desperate for food, our enemies (primarily Satan and his hordes who use men for their purposes) are dangerous, destructive and determined. They are terrifying, terrible and too strong for me. I am in desperate need help before they overcome me.]
 
Psalm 17:13 “Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down;”
 
[In your might, Lord, you can easily win this battle. You are the Creator of the universe, the Breather of the stars, Bringer of the dawn, Captain of history and Ender of time. You are strong enough to deliver us from any enemy.]
 
“rescue me from the wicked by your sword.”
 
[No one can withstand the onslaught of your sword of Truth and the Power of your right hand, Jesus. As John wrote in Rev. 19:11.21, “…there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war….[those who fought against God] were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse….”]
 
Psalm 17:14 “O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life”
 
[The wicked are in the hand of the wicked one; they live only for this world: they are shortsighted, short-lived and live for what they can get in the short run.
 
Praise you, Lord, that in contrast you have given us the long range perspective of living for eternity, living for you, living for greater things than the values of this world. You have lifted us from the narrow, dark pit of sin and slavery, and brought us into a wide, pleasant position before you, into the light of your Word, into the place of your presence, into the peace and joy of your love.
 
Praise be to you for all the good you share, for all the beauty you bring, for all the gifts you give. Looking at those forces of men and devils which attack us and what they want to force on us—slavery, fear, despair, hopelessness and death–and then to look at where you have brought us—into the Kingdom of light, into your grace, into your embrace–the contrast is stark, deep, powerful and wonderful.
 
To you be glory and honor for sharing your goodness with the godless like me, making us your children, putting your divine nature in us, placing us in your family, your Kingdom, your plan and your heart.
 
May you be glorified in my life today through gratitude, gratefulness and godliness. Help me to be a glory giver in each instance, each decision, each challenge by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving, that you may be honored and that all around may see your glory.
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“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you"

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 20, 2016

Praise be to you, Lord God, for your goodness and grace, for your fineness and faithfulness: I wake up each morning and there you are, watching over me with a new day ready for me to live in your presence.

Praise be to you, Elohim, the triune God, powerful beyond imagination, faithful beyond conception, always good, always wise, always at work.

As it says in Psalm 89:15,16, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you…” They praise you in every circumstance, recognize you in every detail, are constantly aware of “God sightings” as you protect and provide.

“who walk in the light of your presence.” They are aware by faith of your being with them, of your watching over them, leading them, lighting the way.

“They rejoice in your name all day long, they exalt in your righteousness…” you are their focus, their knowledge of your qualities guides their thoughts, and therefore their actions and reactions.

“…for you are their glory and strength.” They are constantly drawing their significance from you, aware that belonging to you is a great privilege bringing joy, that you are the meaning of life, the importance of existence, the greatness of being.

And you are their security, for you are strong and with your strength you protect them and give them power spiritually, mentally, volitionally emotionally, physically and in many other ways.

They recognize you as the source of all, the goal of all, the God of all, the glory of all, the end of all. They live in the light of your goodness, they rest in the shadow of the Almighty, they rejoice in knowing intimately the Lord Jesus, Creator of all.

Prayer: “Praise you that in light of all this truth, it is certain that you have the wisdom, the power and the will to guide me in this day before me. Help me to walk in faith, in the light of your presence, acclaiming you in all so that I may bring glory to your name. Amen.”

–from the devotional book EDIFIED!

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Psalm 17:9-11

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 19, 2016

Psalm 17:9 “… hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”

[For David these enemies  were actual people; for us it is sometimes people but always our spiritual foes, Satan’s forces of demons and devils, who often work through people.

This opposition is real, it is powerful, it is beyond our abilities to withstand and overcome. We know that Satan’s goal is to rob us (of joy), to destroy (our testimonies, families, churches and lives) and to kill (as he is doing in the Middle East and parts of Africa with attempts by terrorists to wipe out all Christians). We need help desperately!

Praise be to you, Lord, that you do want to hide us in the shadow of your wings. You are our rock, our salvation and our high tower. You call us to take shelter in you–just as David is doing in Psalm 17 by pouring out his heart to you and asking for help–so that we will never be shaken.]

Psalm 17:10 “They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.”

[People used by Satan are certainly callous—I read recently that a young man publicly executed his own mother for opposing his joining ISIS. And when you hear the pronouncements of those who oppose biblical truths and standards, there is huge arrogance. As pawns in Satan’s plans, mercy and grace are far from them. May this not be true of us!]

Psalm 17:11 “They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.”

[Satan intentionally sends his servants out to track us down and attack. This description of spiritual warfare is expanded on in Psalm 62:3-4: “How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down– this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

[we are weak and unable to stand on our own against the attacks of Satan’s forces, whether he uses people or events]

“Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place;”

[They want to have us forget who we are in Christ, to forsake Him as our high tower, to topple us into the swamp of self-pity, materialism and despair.]

“they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.”

[Satan’s forces can be slick, sounding so positive and constructive at times (“we welcome all, we don’t want anyone to be offended), but their goal is destruction, causing people to accept lies and destructive values–as we see happening all around us today, with abortion, rampant divorce, twisting of the definition of marriage and political correctness.]

Our strength is inadequate, but yours, Lord God, is mighty, invincible, far more than adequate–you who breathed the stars, who hung the earth on nothing, who brings the dawn each day are able to empower us to stand in any situation.

Help us to remember these truths: that we are in a spiritual battle every day; that our real enemies are not people, but Satan’s forces using them; that if we keep on the full armor of God, we can stand in the evil day and having done your all, to stand (Eph. 6:10-18).

Help us to keep on the full armor you have provided, to fight with praise, prayer and persistence in obedience and to see your mighty power triumph in our lives and those of people we are called to serve.]

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Wow, What A Love!

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 18, 2016
Psalm 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of your eye;”
 
[This, Lord God, is how you view each of your children: special, unique and dearly loved. In you we are delighted in, doted on and deeply cared for. You chose us, you called us into your arms, you claimed us as your children, you cleansed us from our sin and guilt, you commissioned us to special service and you cherish us wholeheartedly.
 
Jesus made an amazing statement in John 15:9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” This is an astounding, worldview shifting announcement. If we grasp this, it will change our whole lives, resulting in us “being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:16-19).
 
How does God the Father love Jesus the Son? Eternally, wholeheartedly, without reservation, without interruption, without any doubts. He loves Him joyfully, jubilantly and justly. He loves Him positively, purposefully and powerfully. He loves Him for His character, for His connection and for His companionship. He loves Him constantly, creatively and consistently. He loves Him fully, forcefully and forever.
 
More foundationally, the Father loves the Son because God IS love; He never cannot love. His love is “agape,” that is, it does not depend on the response of the loved one. Whatever we may do, God’s love will not stop flowing to us.
 
As the Father loves the Son, so Jesus loves us. This astounding, beautiful, transforming and wonderful truth is too good to be true–and yet it is true for believers, because Jesus has purchased and given us His righteousness, His guiltless record and His holiness. We can rest in His love, abide in His love, revel in His love because it is secure, eternal and wholehearted. It is not based on us but upon His unchanging, all powerful nature. We ARE the apple of His eye!]
 
“hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
 
[you, Heavenly Father, actively shelter your children, covering us with your presence, keeping us safe from what is truly evil. But we, like chicks, need to stay under your wings, to abide in your love, as you, Jesus, command us in John 15:9-10, “Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
 
If we stray, we remove ourselves from the protecting shelter of your love, but you never stop loving us. You are always there, waiting for us to come and again abide in your shelter, your grace, your unconditional love.
 
When we do stray in disobedience, you actively, in your love, chasten us by letting us suffer the consequences of our poor choices (Heb. 12:1-17). You do this so we will come to our senses and return to obedience of you. You WILL hide us under your wings, if we will come.]
 
Help us, Lord, to abide in your love, obeying what we know to be true, reveling in the Truth of your great and wonderful Love for us. May we have the glow of your love in our souls and on our faces as we go with you into today, that we may bring light and hope to all those we meet.
 
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Wow, What a Love!

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 18, 2016

Psalm 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of your eye;”

[This, Lord God, is how you view each of your children: special, unique and dearly loved. In you we are delighted in, doted on and deeply cared for. You chose us, you called us into your arms, you claimed us as your children, you cleansed us from our sin and guilt, you commissioned us to special service and you cherish us wholeheartedly.

Jesus said in John 15:9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” This is an astounding, worldview shifting statement. If we grasp this, it will change our whole lives, resulting in us “being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:16-19)

How does God the Father love Jesus the Son? Eternally, wholeheartedly, without reservation, without interruption, without any doubts. He loves Him joyfully, jubilantly and justly. He loves Him positively, purposefully and powerfully. He loves Him for His character, for His connection and for His companionship. He loves Him constantly, creatively and consistently. He loves Him fully, forcefully and forever.

More foundationally, the Father loves the Son because God IS love; He never cannot love. His love is “agape,” that is, it does not depend on the response of the loved one. Whatever we may do, God’s love will not stop flowing to us.

As the Father loves the Son, so Jesus loves us. This astounding, beautiful, transforming and wonderful truth is too good to be true–and yet it is true for believers, because Jesus has purchased and given us His righteousness, His guiltless record and His holiness. We can rest in His love, abide in His love, revel in His love because it is secure, eternal and wholehearted. It is not based on us but upon His unchanging, all powerful nature. We ARE the apple of His eye!]

“hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

[you, Heavenly Father, actively shelter your children, covering us with your presence, keeping us safe from what is truly evil. But we, like chicks, need to stay under your wings, to abide in your love, as you command us in John 15:9-10, “Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

If we stray, we remove ourselves from the protecting shelter of your love, but you never stop loving us. You are always there, waiting for us to come and again abide in your shelter, your grace, your unconditional love. When we do stray in disobedience, you actively, in your love, chasten us by letting us suffer the consequences of our poor choices (Heb. 12:1-17), so we will come to our senses and return to obedience of you. You WILL hide us under your wings, if we will come.]

Help us, Lord, to abide in your love, obeying what we know to be true, reveling in the Truth of your great and wonderful Love for us. May we have the glow of your love in our souls and on our faces as we go with you into today, that we may bring light and hope to all those we meet.

 

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What a Privilege!

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 17, 2016

After yesterday’s very rainy start, today dawns clear and sunny. Thank you for a good start also in time spent with you, Lord.

I praise you for how you are guiding in me on the continual upward path, moving forward with you along the narrow way of discipleship where denying self and taking up our cross daily is a pleasure, because these have great and eternal purposes.

In doing these we join you in significant ways in your perfect plan to right wrong, eliminate evil and sweep many into your great Kingdom of Kindness.

I am thankful, Lord, that you moved me out of maintenance mode into mountain climbing mode. It is so wonderful to live with you, to move ahead with you in a life of purpose, meaning, power and hope.

We have the certainty of a future in eternity that causes all around us to pale in importance: what difference does it make that we don’t have the newest car or that our favorite sports team loses?

I praise you, Lord Jesus, for inviting me into this new day, another opportunity to enter into further adventures with you: time in your Word and worship, prayer to be offered, people to meet, encouragement to give, disappointments to embrace with the sacrifice of thanksgiving—and all the while knowing that in doing these, I’m joining you in what will count for eternity.

Praise you for your indwelling Spirit–earlier He only dwelt in Jerusalem, now He lives in each of your children! What a privilege. As the Apostle John wrote, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).

Lord help us to live today worthy of you, of your love and goodness, your grace and kindness. Use us, guide us and glorify yourself.

 

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Psalm 17:3-7

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 16, 2016
Psalm 17:3 “Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing;”
 
[Here is a saying I find hard to understand. I cannot say this– only a slight probe will find a dozen wrong things in my actions and thoughts, to say nothing of my heart.
 
Perhaps David was speaking more of the fact that he has not responded incorrectly in his present situation; maybe he has forgiven, and prayed for the good of his enemies. Perhaps he has already confessed his sin in the situation and now stands cleansed as far as he knows.]
 
“I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.”
 
[He’s not going to give a response of the flesh, but speak what he knows is pleasing to you. That hints at checking his motives, thinking through his possible responses and choosing to obey what he knows is right. May I live like that.]
 
Psalm 17:4 “As for the deeds of men—by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.”
 
[Perhaps here David, who was a man of war, is talking specifically of the instance before him where he did not respond to these people in violence (which he could have done), acting instead according your commands in grace and quietness. May I do the same!]
 
Psalm 17:5 “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”
 
[As David sought to obey, running in the paths you, Lord, prepared, he did not stumble or fall. It was only when he strayed from the path that he slipped, fell and took many others down with him. Lord keep me on your path, surround me with your hedge of thorns, pricking me immediately when I zig or zag off your way.
 
Psalm 17:6 “I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.”
 
[Your faithfulness is the impetus to prayer. You will hear, your will answer, you will help–because it is your nature to be faithful! We can be so certain of your answering, that in any circumstance we can fully rest in you; we don’t have to panic, we don’t have to cling to our desired answer. We can, before an answer comes, know that you will faithfully do what is best. Your promise to hear and answer was David’s hope–and ours, too.]
 
Psalm 17:7 “Show the wonder of your great love,
 
[Yours is a love far richer and deeper and more committed than David, in his time, could know. He could not see your great plan, Lord Jesus, to move through immense suffering–spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and volitionally–that you were willing to endure because of you love for your rebellious creatures. To say your love is wonderful is a woefully inadequate statement! Praise you for your immeasurable, powerful, all-encompassing compassion.]
 
“you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.”
 
[Your right hand is powerful and adequate to save in any danger. You are our sure Refuge, our high Tower, our mighty Rock, our Redeemer and Savior watching over us.
 
We must, however, run to you and take shelter in that refuge. We are called to partnership with you and need to actively join you so you can do your promised part.
 
I praise you, Lord God, that you in your immense might, your persistent power, your complete knowledge of all and your pervasive presence, can never be defeated. No one can trick you, fool you or get around you. Therefore you are able to fully protect us, to bring us through whatever you allow and bring us out into the wide and pleasant place you have prepared.
 
We praise you now for what you will do today in protecting us, preparing all for us and providing what we need. May we live in the light of this truth and rest in you, no matter what comes.]
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Psalm 17:1-2

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 15, 2016

Psalm 17 A prayer of David.

“Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry.”

[You are the prayer answering God–intercession was your invention, giving a way for us to enter your heart, your arms, your plans.

You are the God who heard Joseph and gave him the interpretation of dreams; who heard Moses and opened the Red Sea; who heard David and defeated his enemies; who heard Daniel and told him the dream of the king; who heard Jesus and raised Lazarus from the dead. And you are the God who hears us and will answer in the same faithfulness and power you always have.]

“Give ear to my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips.”

[Your part is to hear, ours is to come to you in integrity, not trying to manipulate you or paint ourselves as better than we are, or trick you into moving against someone unjustly.

To do any of these is, of course, ridiculous, for nothing is hidden from your eyes, including our motives. You are the King of creation, the Lord of the universe, the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-present One.

Praise you that we can and must be totally transparent before you—and that such honesty does not affect your openness to us one bit, “for you are good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all who call upon you” (Psalm 86:5).

Psa 17:2 “May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.”

[Truly, vindication can only fully come from you, Lord, for only you see fully what is right. We can rest in that awesome truth that you see everything, both right and wrong, and love us anyway.

Your Word is clear on how we should trust you to deal with those who oppose us. As it says in the Old Testament, “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psa. 37:1-4).

This concept is repeated more powerfully in the New Testament: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:19-21).

Lord, help us to look to you for vindication and for dealing with those who treat us like their enemies. May our delight be in you, not in vengeance or winning. May you thusly be glorified before all those around us, especially before those who oppose us. I praise you now for how you will answer in faithfulness and righteousness.]

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Psalm 16:9-11

Published by S.M. Wibberley on January 14, 2016

Psalm 16:8b,9 “…he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;”

[You, Lord God, are the reason I can be glad and praise, for you are mightily faithful, strongly consistent, lovingly good, totally wise and graciously giving. There is no lack for those who follow you. “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing” (Psa. 34:10). It is in you, in your character that all comes together, that all is provided, that all stability rests. It is so right to rejoice in you!]

Psalm 16:10 “my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave,”

[I live in the land of the dying–but in your love, power and provision, I will move to the land of the living, going through the doorway of death into the light of eternity. And there you will give me a new body, uncorrupted, undying, unending. The certainty of this has already been established and demonstrated in the resurrection of Christ.]

“nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”

[You, Jesus died, but did not stay dead, your body did not deteriorate, but was brought back to life and transformed into the new and eternal form our bodies will have.

You, Lord God, have provided the ultimate redemption, transformation, and salvation in which we can rest secure. And within these you have given us three wonders for life right now:]

Psalm 16:11 “You have made known to me the path of life;”

[In your love and grace, your compassion and forgiveness your Spirit has opened my eyes to the way to life, and now I walk on that path, “of the righteous” which “is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever more brightly til the full light of day” (Prov 4:18).

You pour out on us a continual stream of blessings as we walk with you in your way: your presence, your perspective, your power, your provision. Every day we can learn more of you, every day you bring further transformation, every day we can experience your care, your wisdom, your goodness.

And every day we can give you glory and honor by responding to every situation with praise. You are the God of righteousness, goodness and glory. To know you is wonderful!]

“you will fill me with joy in your presence,”

[The more we know you, the deeper our joy goes, overflowing, energizing, transforming and guiding. The certainty of your presence is the well-spring of joy in our lives. And this will be multiplied a thousand-fold when pass through death into eternal life. We praise you for it!]

“with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

[The certainty of spending eternity with you, at your right hand, enjoying the pleasure of your presence, the wonders of your being, the marvels of your new heaven and earth, this is beyond comprehension–but to have this certainty is a further aspect to our present joy.

Truly, Lord Jesus, to know you is enough for joy, a joy that will be ever increasing until death and then exploding into all the dimensions in which you now live, expanding throughout eternity as we learn more and more of your marvelous, infinite character.

To you be glory and honor now. May I reflect back to you the joy you are giving me. May we walk together in this day, shedding the light of your joy on all I meet.]

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