Psalm 17, When I Encounter the Divine

January 17

Opening Prayer

Holy God, this morning awaken my heart to your words. Help me draw close to your side and learn from you. May my praise and worship be a holy offering before your throne of grace. Amen.

Psalm 17

Psalm 17:15 ESV

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

When I encounter the Divine

What happens when I have a meeting with the Lord, those middle of the night encounters with the Divine? How does starting my morning in prayer, song or meditation on God’s word change me? How does it prepare me for living every day of my life?

Spending time in God’s presence changed David. He learned from a young age that he could speak honestly to the Lord. He understood that God was not interested in idle words, but that God wanted to David to open and allow God to work in the deepest parts of heart.

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

It is within the private spaces of heart and mind that God does his most important work for those who are willing.

David learned in his life that the Lord sought much more than the animal sacrifices of the religious code. God wants to change the very direction of our lives.

Psalm 51:16–17 (ESV)

“For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

David desired to be a different kind of leader. He wouldn’t run to violence, even with King Saul’s men always on the hunt to kill him. Instead he would follow the Lord’s path for his life. We have a choice to listen and follow God or take the shortcuts in life, those paths of least resistence and human understanding.

David’s strongest weapon was in listening to God and following his will for his life. He knew his defense and ultimate freedom would only be possible if God made it happen. God’s love for David was better than anything David could do in his own power or strength.

Those who never meet with God end up looking a lot like the enemies of David. They fill themselves on gaining treasures in this world. These treasures will not go with us to the grave. Perhaps our descendants will in enjoy them for a time, but they never will bring a lasting or eternal satisfaction. What does it mean to have the “American Dream” and not know the God who created this world and gave us life?

Luke 9:25 (ESV)

“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”

What price do we pay when we give up on having a relationship with Jesus?

David’s closing words remind us that there is something more than earthly treasures, a big family, lots of friends, or the perfect job. For those who have made it a priority to meet with God and follow his ways there is something greater. I know that one day I will close my eyes in sleep to this world and awaken in a new eternal world. Then I will come face to face with my Heavenly Father and know I am forever home.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am so humbled by what you have done in my life. You have shown me a way to live that is so different from the ways of this world. I thank you for your constant presence in my life. Thank you for meeting with me in prayer and times of worship. I pray my life would be a living sacrifice of praise to you as I follow your words. Help me as I go through my daily challenges to trust your plans for my life. May others see you in my life and help me to tell others of your goodness. Amen.