Friend or not
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings. Psalms 17:7-8
As I read through Psalm 17, I can begin to understand what it means to be a friend with God. This Psalm shows the contrast between those who have His favor versus those who do not. This passage can work as a guide to help us understanding our relationship with God, evaluating if we are walking out His will and plan, and recognizing the qualities of those who walk in close relationship with Him.
Psalm 17 is a prayer of David, where he earnestly seeks God’s justice and protection against his enemies. In it David gives a deep personal plea for deliverance and vindication. He writes his request within the context of righteousness and trust in God’s purpose. Below, I have listed several key sections, each revealing crucial elements about what it means to be a friend or not of God.
1. The Plea for Righteous Judgment (Verses 1-2)
David begins by asking for God’s attention by calling out to Him in prayer: “Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! From Your presence let my vindication come! Let Your eyes behold the right!” Here, David’s plea highlights a fundamental aspect of being a friend of God: a commitment to righteousness and truth. Those who seek God with a sincere heart, like David, will line up their lives with His nature, ways and His Word. They seek what is right in God’s eyes, not only for themselves but as a reflection of God’s own standards.
In contrast, those who are not friends of God may approach Him with deceitful hearts or ulterior motives. They are not honest with Him or themselves. Their prayers do not show a genuine desire for justice or truth but rather a self-serving intent. Psalm 17 sets a high bar for those who wish to be considered friends of God—we must approach Him with a pure heart and truly be seeking after His path.
2. Trust in Divine Protection (Verses 3-5)
In verses 3-5, David expresses his trust in God’s protection and guidance: “You have tried my heart, You have visited me by night, You have tested me, and You will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.” This trust is based on a life lived in agreement with God’s will, free from the wicked schemes of the ungodly. The intent and purity of David’s actions and words are evident, and he is confident that God’s protection and provision will prevail.
Friends of God demonstrate unwavering trust in His protection and guidance, knowing that their commitment to living righteously is a shield against adversaries. They live with a sense of divine security, strengthened with the knowledge of their friendship with God and confidents in His plan. In contrast, those who are not friends of God may rely on their own understanding or methods for protection, often resulting in vulnerability to their own failings and the schemes of their wicked schemes.
3. A Call for Deliverance from the Wicked (Verses 10-14)
David contrasts his own righteousness with the behavior of the wicked: “They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly. They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.” He asks for deliverance from those who are not only his enemies but who do unrighteousness and cruelty.
The Psalm underscores the reality that those who oppose God’s people often do it with a hardened heart and arrogance. They show no pity and seek to undermine righteousness. Being a friend of God involves standing apart from such behaviors and seeking His intervention against the forces of evil. Friends of God bring themselves into alignment with His values, while those who oppose Him display their arrogance and wretchedness.
4. The Promise of Divine Satisfaction (Verse 15)
David concludes this Psalm with a profound statement of faith: “As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with Your likeness.” This verse assures us of the ultimate reward for those who live in agreement with God’s Word—a desire for God’s friendship and satisfaction of being created in His image.
Friends of God are promised a deep, personal relationship with Him, marked by satisfaction and fulfillment in His presence. This ultimate reward contrasts sharply with the fate of those who do not seek God’s ways or live according to His Word. For them, there is no promise of divine fulfilment, protection or intimacy within a personal relationship with Him.
So, today I want to encourage you to read Psalm 17 and remember it as a powerful reminder of what it means to be a friend of God. Seek after a true friendship with God by committing to righteousness, set time aside each day to deepen your trust in His protection. Set your life apart from the world and wicked says and press into the promise of divine contentment and peace. As you meditate on this Psalm, evaluate your own friendship with God, to make sure that your hearts and life lines up with His standards and His ways. By assessing your relationship, you will move closer to the joy that comes from being in the presence of a good and loving God. Decide today that He is your best friend, and then let that friendship thrive by committing all your ways to Him.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 17
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.
2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.
3 You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.
5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.
6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
7 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them.
8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
9 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly.
11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,
12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13 Arise, O Lord, Confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,
14 With Your hand from men, O Lord, from men of the world who have their portion in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possession for their babes.
15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
The Daily Dose 