PSALM 17 - I Will Trust In You !
"Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God and a scourge for Satan.”
John Bunyan
J. B. Phillips entitled this psalm "Lest I Forget Gethsemane."
How often have I wondered about the prayer that Jesus prayed as He talked with His Father.
This psalm is called a prayer of David. David learned to put his trust in God, knowing that he could count on His presence and power in times of need.
David finds himself as we do, and as Christ did, in a clash between
1) good and evil
2) light and darkness
3) right and wrong
4) heaven and hell
and eternity lies in our decisions.
David cried to God for help. His prayer was initiated by the Holy Spirit to do the work God fully intended.
Perhaps it is not who wrote the psalm, but who prayed it.
Verses 1-2 Search My Heart, Oh God
A courtroom scene with the accused coming before the judge.
Hear the urgency in his voice.
The One praying presents Himself before God and says –
Help Me
Listen
Pay attention
Declare Me innocent – It matters!
Picture the scene in Israel –
A lamb is brought before the high priest to be inspected.
Does it have any blemishes? Is it a worthy sacrifice?
2000+ years ago in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus presents Himself to the
Judge of all.
Declare Me innocent -- a worthy sacrifice.
Verses 3-4 Only the One with no sin can say -
Prove me, examine my thoughts when I am asleep.
I have determined not to sin in what I say.
I have followed and stayed on Your path.
I have not wavered from You.
This was an intimate relationship. He understood what was being asked of Him. The One who prayed this prayer presents Himself for a complete inspection.
Verses 5-9 Confidence in His judge - His God.
Your commands have kept Me from being led away from You.
I trust You, My God, because I know You will · · · · · (I don't have to do this alone - for You are with Me.) Verses 8-13 Now He appeals to the love of His Abba Father. Guard Hide Protect Okay, now here is what is going on. They have no pity. They boast of their power. They have searched for Me and they have found Me. They are cruel. This is their hour; they are ready to tear Me apart! "Not My will but Thine be done." I will trust in You. Verses 13-14 Arise, O Lord - The greatest tragedy becomes the greatest triumph. "If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me." I am going to trust You in the circumstances. Verse 15 Because I have done what is right- I will see You. I will be satisfied. I will see You face to face. I'm ready now, Father, let's go. John 14:31 "I will do what the Father requires of Me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let's be going." John 17 After the fact – Verse 4 “I have brought glory to You here on earth by doing everything You told Me to do." Verse 3 "And this is the way to have eternal life - to know You - the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One You sent to earth." Verse 22 "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be One as We are." Jesus stood by Faith in prayer and in Action. He died, yet He arose. He was satisfied - Face to Face.
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