THE LORD SAVES!

PSALM 17 

Sunday, 07 September 2025

“Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them.” - Psalm 17:7

This Psalm of David reflects his trust in God when he faced oppression and maltreatment from his enemies. The Psalmist cries out for justice and to rescue him from all accusations and harassment. David opens his conversation with God telling Him that it is his righteous plea. We should note that this is not a projection of self-righteousness. He admits his position as a sinner through Psalm 51 (“a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” v.17) and God’s forgiveness through Psalm 32 (“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” v.1).

The Psalmist is standing on the ground of God’s righteous work in him. We must understand that no one can stand before a Holy God with our self-righteous deeds. An entry to His throne of Grace is only by the grace that is showered on to us through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Thus accepting Christ’s imputed righteousness only can make us stand before the Almighty.

In verses 7 & 8, David prays for a rescue operation while God would keep him as the apple of His eye. Psalm 91:15 says that “I will deliver him and honour him.” Zechariah 2:8 says “…for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” God has kept our eyes in a well-protected and safe position encircled by projecting bones. Here is the portrayal of the protection that God gives us when we become the apple of His eye! This should lead us to humble ourselves before Him and give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him. We need to know our position in Christ and submit to Him in prayer. David would not have been addressed as a man after God’s own heart if he had not been a man of prayer and submission.

When David prays: “Hide me under the shadow of Your wings…” (V.8) we can picture the mighty wings of an eagle that signifies power and strength! David was probably reminded of Deuteronomy 32:11 where it talks about God’s protection of Israel during their wilderness journey. “As an eagle that protects its nest, That flutters over its young, He spread out His wings and took them, He carried them on His pinions. (Deut.32:11 AMP). We not only find shelter under the Lord’s wings but protection from the onslaughts of the enemy.

Though David begins this Psalm with a cry, it ends with the declaration of a great hope: “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness…” (V.15). Though men of God go through difficult times, during all sorts of trials, they stay on earth with their eyes fixed heavenward for the return of the Lord. And they will be satisfied seeing the Lord face to face!

God is working on the canvas of our personal life to make us more like Him. James 1: 3&4 [NIV] says, “…you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Trials and tribulations are producing His character in us if we persevere under them. The hope in every believer is 1 John 3:2-3—“…we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep me as the apple of Your eye and hide me in the shadow of Your wings; for I take refuge in You. Amen

Listen: 'My Creator King'