Psalm 17

Today’s Passage: Psalm 17

This is the first Psalm to simply be titled, “A Prayer”. David once again has come to God in his time of need, and this time he is essentially praying for protection. David first focuses on himself in verses 1 to 8, shifts to his enemies in verses 9 through 14, and then ends with a shift back to his own perspective.

I picture David making an appeal in a courtroom with God as the Judge. In verse 1 he says, “Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!”

David here is not claiming to be morally perfect. He is saying that he is sharing his problem honestly. He did not deceive anyone leading to this current problem, and he is not exaggerating anything in his presentation now. 

In Psalm 139:23-24, David prayed: “Search me, O God, and know my heart!   Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” When David is presenting his case in verses 1 through 8, he is implying that he has prayed for God to search him before praying the current psalm.

Even in the midst of turmoil and trial, David ultimately loves God more than himself. He asks to know his hidden motives and sins before making a request, and deeply desires to be shown if he is in the wrong. It’s clear that if God revealed to David that what he wanted wasn’t upright, then David would submit to God’s will. David wanted to be on God’s side. He contrasts himself with his enemies in verses 14 and 15, saying that they only think of life on this earth, but David knows that regardless of what comes next, he knows that in the end he will be with God for eternity. 

How open are we to being moved to what God wants instead of what we want? Is there anything in your life you are asking for, but you have not asked God to search your heart and reveal your motives first? 

Written By: Kaitlin White





2 Comments


Nora Cardona - August 12th, 2022 at 4:38am

Great questions that will reveal the motives of our desires. We cannot fool God. We must seek to please and honor God. We need God's help in revealing if our desires are self-seeking or are we seeking to serve others and serve Him. God blesses us with true joy and satisfaction when we follow His plan not our own.

Ronnie Chaffins - August 12th, 2022 at 8:48am

Acts 13:22, 1Samuel 13:14; What a blessing to be a man after God's own heart. God is searching for those who will open up their hearts to pursue His perfect will even despite our sins, struggles and failures. What a beautiful relationship this could be. What perfect love our Lord has for His children.

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