Psalm 17:3-7

Psalm 17:3-7

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.]