Psalms 17
Psalms 17:1-15 (NLT)
1 A prayer of David. O LORD, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips.
2 Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right.
3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say.
4 I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
5 My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.
6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies.
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
9 Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me.
10 They are without pity. Listen to their boasting!
11 They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—like young lions hiding in ambush.
13 Arise, O LORD! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!
14 By the power of your hand, O LORD, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants.
15 Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.
Righteousness so effectively enhances confidence in the presence of the Holy One. David begins this interaction with God by focusing on his innocence and righteousness, things that are the result of his choices and his own efforts to do what is right. The motive for this diligence in doing what is right is God’s love, protection, and the ability to come before Him face-to-face, all requiring his own righteousness. To not be innocent and to have failed would surely have been a terrible thing for him, something that could only be remedied by turning over a new leaf, the efforts of his own will and determination. For him the rewards were well worth it and he was often successful in coming up with this confidence.
This requirement is yet the same, along with the rewards. There is, though, this wonderful provision of its righteousness that no longer comes from our efforts of doing good but from the One who gave us His. Though we may be living in the purity of grace’s cleansing from past sins and guided avoidance of present ones, our advance to the throne is no longer dependent on our efforts at all. Our bold and unhindered approach is based upon an identity with Christ that can never be altered or used against us as a reason for not receiving God’s love, protection, and welcome in His presence.
There is an embrace ever open to all who will be clothed in what Christ has done right, letting confidence rise from what His blood has purchased for us and letting go of any insecurities or self-righteousness. That embrace will be the way to truly walk in His righteousness and claim the wonderful joys and benefits of our secured place at His side.