Satisfied in God
Author
Nancy G. Marquez
Summary: David prays for protection from his oppressors and asks God to see his righteousness. He vows to keep himself from wickedness and asks God to sustain his steps. He asks for God's mercy and protection from his enemies who seek his life. David trusts in God's deliverance and looks forward to seeing God's face in righteousness, being satisfied when he wakes up in God's likeness. The believer finds their satisfaction in wanting to become like Christ and finding their ultimate fulfillment in His presence.
Sometimes we look to fleeting things for our satisfaction, instead of eternal things. To be clear, we must remember that nothing that is on this earth will bring us satisfaction no matter how beautiful and good it may seem. Only our satisfaction should be in wanting to become like our Lord and Master; similar to Him in everything. Is that why the Apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthians to imitate him just as he imitated Christ? There is nothing better than finding our satisfaction in God and his works that are eternal and perfect.
Psalm 17 is a heartfelt prayer made by David, the sweet singer of Israel. In prayer he begins by asking God to be attentive to his cry and confesses that his prayer is made from the lips without deception. He also asks God that His eyes see his righteousness. How beautiful to know that the Psalmist David always tried to be pleasing to God in all his ways! Finish the sentence by saying (v.15) “I will be satisfied when I wake up in your likeness.” Today we echo the words of the Psalmist when he wrote this verse, that it seems easier to recite it than to live it.
The believer knows that he will receive his complete satisfaction when he is in the presence of the Lord, after having done everything possible to live like Him here on earth.
David's Prayer:
1 Hear, O Jehovah, a just cause; listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer from lips free of deceit.
2 From your presence comes my vindication;
Let your eyes see righteousness.
3 You have tested my heart, you have visited me at night;
You have put me to the test, and have found nothing wicked;
I have resolved that my mouth shall not transgress.
4 Concerning human works, by the word of your lips
I have kept myself from the paths of the violent.
5 Sustain my steps in your ways,
So my feet don't slip.
6 I have called on you, because you will hear me, O God;
Lean your ear towards me, listen to my word.
7 Show your marvelous mercies, you who save those who take refuge at your right hand,
Of 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 sight of the wicked who oppress me,
Of my enemies who seek my life.
10 They are wrapped in their fat;
They speak arrogantly with their mouth.
11 Now they have hemmed in our steps;
They have put their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 They are like a lion that wants to prey,
And like a lion that is in its hiding place.
13 Arise, O Lord;
Go out to meet them, poster them;
Deliver my soul from evil with your sword,
14 Of men with your hand, O Lord,
Of worldly men, whose portion they have in this life,
And whose belly is full of your treasure.
They satisfy their children,
And there is still plenty for your little ones.
15 As for me, I will see your face in righteousness;
I'll be satisfied when I wake up in your likeness.