Psalms

Psalms 17: Satisfied in the LORD's presence

Begin in prayer

Before we think about the enemies that surround David, let us bring our own hearts before the righteous Judge. Ask Him to guard our steps and give us satisfaction in Jesus.

For Yahweh of Armies says: ‘For honor he has sent me to the nations which plundered you; for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.

Zechariah 2:8

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that refuge and lasting satisfaction are found with the LORD. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David brings a righteous plea to the LORD, asking the Judge to see what is fair. He invites God to examine his heart and says that God's words have kept him from violent ways. Deadly enemies surround him with proud mouths and callous hearts, like a lion waiting for prey. David asks God to guard him as the apple of His eye, shelter him and confront the wicked. Men whose portion is this life cannot offer the satisfaction David expects when he sees God's face in righteousness.

As you read Psalms 17, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD saves those who take refuge in Him and satisfies them with His presence.

David asks for a just hearing in the dispute before him, without claiming that he has never sinned. His appeal includes the heart God has tested and the mouth he has resolved to guard. God's own words have kept his steps from joining the violence around him. The apple of the eye is its pupil, a tender part that needs careful protection. Sheltering wings add the picture of a bird covering its young while danger remains nearby. David then asks the LORD to confront the wicked and deliver him by His sword. The contrast at the end concerns what a life receives as its portion. Earthly plenty and provision for children cannot replace the satisfaction of seeing God's face in righteousness.

How does Psalm 17 show us that the LORD saves those who take refuge in Him and satisfies them with His presence?

The LORD hears the honest plea of His servant.

David brings his cause to the Judge whose eyes see what is fair. He invites examination instead of hiding deceit in his prayer. God's words have guarded his conduct when violent paths were open to him.

The LORD gives refuge from deadly enemies.

The proud and callous enemies close in like a hungry lion. David asks for the tender protection pictured by the eye and sheltering wings. He leaves the work of confronting and bringing down the wicked to the LORD.

God's presence gives satisfaction beyond this life's portion.

The prayer looks past the world's portion to seeing God's face. David expects to awake satisfied with seeing His form. His final hope is personal nearness to the Lord in righteousness.

Memorise

As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.

Psalm 17:15

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what earthly portion am I choosing above the presence of Jesus?

David asks, “Keep me as the apple of your eye.” Deadly enemies surround him, yet his final desire is to see God's face in righteousness. Safety alone cannot satisfy the heart that longs for God.

Our sin has made us unfit for that holy presence. Jesus died in His people's place, carrying their guilt and judgment at the cross. He rose again, and His finished righteousness and sacrifice provide all they need to draw near.

Come to Him with repentance and faith. He forgives those who depend on Him and brings them to His Father. Ask Him to guard your steps when you are threatened and tempted to answer evil with evil. The satisfaction He gives will outlast every portion this world can provide.

Parent's note

Tell your children that refuge and lasting satisfaction are found with the LORD. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for His tender protection and the satisfaction of His presence. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

John 17:24

Righteous Lord, You know the truth of every dispute and every heart. Please bring us to trust Jesus for forgiveness and access to Your presence. Guard us from deceitful speech and violent ways. Protect those facing danger, and teach us to desire Your face more than the passing wealth of this life. Amen.