When the inner thoughts of a person who lives and works under the pressure of criticism claim one's full attention, we can easily turn our attention away from the Lord, who knows every detail, to the problem and the people who cause it. Thankfully, those who know the Lord can speak to Him, present their just cause, and appeal for justice at the highest court of appeal. When one has a clear conscience before the Lord and does not exaggerate or go beyond what is true, we can rest in confidence that justice will be served. That is what the prayer requests in this psalm bring to our attention.
David did not profess to be sinless and pure, but he appealed based on his relationship with God. He knew what he was in himself. He had been "tested," "visited," and "tried" in life, and there had been established the fact that he was a man of integrity. His love and loyalty to God had been proven. His relationship with the Lord was one of genuine fellowship, even though he had sinned. He was conscious of needing to "purpose" and practice thought control to have word control. When these are in control by "the obedience of Christ," then we will pay attention to the words that come from God. When we listen to God's words, we consciously avoid what will bring us down in life and testimony.
Our trust in the Lord will preserve us from anxiety despite all that surrounds us because our Lord "Leadeth me, O blessed thought," in His ways and keeps us from falling. Even though we consciously obey the Lord, it is always right to pray for the grace needed and thank Him for the grace supplied.
In the next part of this psalm, David appeals to the Lord to hear his further request. He wants God to hear his request and again reveal His "marvelous mercies" to his servant, who had experienced the grace and mercy of God many times before. For some reason, the "fear of man" brings a snare to the people of God. When that happens, we need special safety like that which preserves the eye, or like a bird has protection for her young. What a marvelous mercy that those of us who are simple and weak people, when something endangers us, know that such intimate interest on God's part is directed toward us. God's protection does not mean we will never feel pain or face trouble. It means that our Lord will guide and preserve us as we pass through the varying circumstances in life, whether good or bad.
We must understand that the heart of man by nature is "deceitful" and "desperately wicked." Those who oppose God and His kingdom will not always appear as enemies of righteousness. "Fat hearts" are made hard and calloused by sin. When the right opportunity arises to do what they want, they will turn on those who belong to the Lord and silence his words of truth. They will want to stop completely anything that is contrary to the majority of public opinion or that contradicts the accepted lifestyle and sinful practice of the ungodly.
Those who are not believers in our Lord Jesus Christ only have this life to find some form of gratification. Some seek wealth, and others pleasure. Some seek power at any expense, hoping that it will give them satisfaction. The people of God know that "Now none but Christ can satisfy, none other name for me." Even the "hidden treasure" the ungodly have comes from our benevolent Creator-God, but that treasure is only temporary. "The goodness of God" leads to repentance, but unrepentant sinners will find that the good they have experienced is only short-lived.
It is good to remember who we are if and when we become envious of the ungodly. "As for me" sets us apart, as David clearly understood. Our goal is not to be found in the world. One who has experienced and acknowledged God's "marvelous mercies" knows that these are merely a foretaste of the joy and satisfaction that will be ours forever. David may not have known all about the resurrection, but he definitely knew there was life after death. He knew that he would see God and that satisfaction was real and lasting. This same attitude will keep us from envy, which is so common to people of the world, and will give us spiritual joy here and now.
PSALM 17. The ongoing puzzle: suffering for righteousness. This psalm is a plea for justice in the face of false accusations and persecution in the present circumstances.
v. 1-2. Please listen to my plea because my cause is just. Then, look at every aspect of the case and decide. v. 3-5. You test my heart – thoroughly. Test my words. By Your words (Bible), I have been kept from violence. My footsteps haven’t slipped even though I have had many chances to do my enemy in. v.6-7. I appeal to You for justice in confidence that You will show Your “marvelous loving-kindness” in a spectacular way. v.8-12. The eye is protected by the eyelash, eyelid, eyebrow, bony socket, and a hand that quickly covers it. The shadow of wings symbolizes God’s protection, like a mother bird protecting her young. Moses used this symbol in De.32:11. The fat hearts of the wicked are incapable of pity. The mouths of the wicked boast of what they are going to do. Their eyes are intent on seeing an end to the righteous. They are like a hungry lion and a young lion waiting to pounce. v.13-14. We deceive ourselves when we measure happiness and contentment by what we possess. Riches and pleasures don’t satisfy. The wicked are only concerned with what they get in this life. Even their children have enough to leave to their children. v.15. David believed in life after death. A writer named E. Bendor Samuel compares this to 1Jn.3:2. 1John… “It has not yet been revealed…but”. Psalm 17. “I shall be satisfied” –Supreme satisfaction. 1John… “We shall be like Him”. Psalm 17. “I shall awake in your likeness” – A great transformation. 1John… “We shall see Him as He is.” Psalm 17. “I will see your face” – An enlarged vision.