Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.

Kept by God’s Hand: Trusting His Justice in Psalm 17

• James Long

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Title: Kept by God’s Hand: Trusting His Justice in Psalm 17

 Psalm 17 is a prayer of David that models how to approach God when facing injustice, false accusations, or danger. In this episode, we explore how David appeals to God’s righteousness, seeks His protection, and rests in His faithful love. This psalm not only offers comfort in times of trial but points us to Jesus Christ, our ultimate Advocate and Defender.

Episode Highlights

  • David begins by appealing to God as the righteous Judge who hears and answers prayer
  • Integrity in private life is essential when making our case before the Lord
  • God’s people are “the apple of His eye” and safe under His protective wings
  • David contrasts the arrogance of the wicked with the humble trust of the righteous
  • The psalm ends with confident hope in God’s ultimate deliverance and satisfaction
  • Jesus perfectly embodied trust in the Father while suffering injustice
  • Our hope rests not in self-defense but in God’s vindication

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Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community

Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow

Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

ABOUT JAMES and LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you seeking hope, wisdom, and practical solutions to life’s challenges? Dr. James Long, Jr., pastor, counselor, and professor with over 30 years of experience, helps people discover God’s solutions to emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Each episode of Lessons for Life points you to the peace and freedom found in Jesus Christ.

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Speaker 1:

Well, hello everyone, it's James Long. Do me a favor and grab your Bible and a journal and turn to Psalm 17. Psalm 17 is where we are going to be looking at today. Psalm 17 is a heartfelt plea for vindication and protection in the midst of injustice and threat. David's prayer models how the righteous can confidently seek God's deliverance, not by self-righteousness but by sincere integrity and steadfast hope in the satisfaction of seeing God's face. Well, the first section we'll be looking at today is a cry of integrity in a world of injustice.

Speaker 1:

David opens this psalm with striking boldness. He says in verse 1, his words may feel foreign in our self-effacing age, but they're not a boast of perfection. They're a cry of a man who knows he stands clean in a particular trial Accused, hunted and slandered. David calls on the righteous judge to vindicate him. This is not the pride of a sinless man, but the honest plea of a faithful one. He examined his heart before the Lord and found no guile. He says in verse 3, you have tried my heart. And then he says you will find nothing. David has not walked in deceit, violence or compromise. Instead, it says in verse 4, by the word of your lips, I have avoided the ways of the violent. What gives David such confidence? Not a sense of entitlement, but the comfort of integrity. He walks in God's ways, guided by God's word, and he trusts that his feet have not slipped. Verse 5, when we live in humble obedience, our prayers are not hindered by guilt or hypocrisy. David's appeal reminds us that our spiritual footing matters. Integrity is not only our reputation, but our communion with God, kept by love.

Speaker 1:

In the shadow of God's wings, david's cry turns upward. He says in verse 6, I call upon you, for you will answer me. This is the boldness of a child who knows the father listens. And the request is not a generic blessing. It's a longing to be hidden, guarded and preserved in the presence of the most intimate care of God. He says in verse 8, keep me as the apple of your eye and hide me in the shadow of your wings. The imagery evokes deep tenderness. The apple of your eye is the pupil, the most delicate part, protected instinctively and constantly. The shadow of your wings calls to mind a mother bird sheltering her chicks or the mercy seat of God's presence in the tabernacle.

Speaker 1:

David is not asking to escape the world, but to be enfolded by the God who sees, saves and shelters. Yet the danger is real. David is surrounded by deadly enemies verse 9. Those whose hearts are hardened, their mouths are proud and their eyes are set to destroy verses 10 and 11. The threat is not just emotional, it's strategic, relentless and violent. Like a lion lurking in the dark, they wait to pounce verse 12. But David doesn't tremble. He turns to the covenant love of God. He remembers that God saves those who seek refuge verse 7. His confidence is not in favorable circumstances, but in the faithful character of the Lord when the world is enough for them, but in the faithful character of the Lord when the world is enough for them, but not for me.

Speaker 1:

Now, what separates the righteous from the wicked in this Psalm is not moral performance alone, it's the desire. David's enemies are described as men of the world whose portion is in this life Verse 14,. Their treasures are earthly. Their fullness is food, family or fortune. Their legacy ends in their children's inheritance. They live for now and they are satisfied with it. David once more, verse 15,. As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness when I awake. I shall be satisfied with your likeness. He longs for something that the world cannot offer a vision of God, the joy of his presence, the radiance of becoming like him. Now, this is not escapism, it's realism. The soul made for God will never be content with anything less than God. This final verse pulses with hope that stretches beyond present affliction. Whether David means awakening from sleep or from death, the vision is clear. He expects that God will not merely protect him now but transform him forever. He longs for communion, not just comfort. The righteous are not merely saved from harm, they are drawn into glory.

Speaker 1:

Well, let's look at some of the doctrinal insights. First, we see divine justice. God hears the cries of the righteous and vindicates those who trust in him, verse 2. Second, we see sanctification. Holiness is not perfection, but a spirit wrought life of integrity rooted in God's word, verse 4. Third, we see God's covenant of love. The steadfast love of the Lord, has said, is both a refuge and a rescue verse 7. Fourth, we see spiritual perspective. The righteous live for eternal communion with God, not just temporal comforts verses 14 and 15. And then, fifth, we see glorification. The hope of seeing God's face and being satisfied with his likeness anticipates our final transformation in Christ. 1 John 3, verse 2.

Speaker 1:

Okay, now let's take all of that doctrine and make it practical For those who feel surrounded. Dear friend, perhaps you're in a season where your enemies feel close and your name is under attack. Your integrity is questioned. Attack, your integrity is questioned and your soul is burdened by injustice of others. Psalm 17 meets you there. David's example reminds you that it is not arrogant to cry out for vindication if your heart is secure, it's not faithless to want rescue and it's not selfish to ask for protection. But God invites you to ask with clean hands and a clear conscience. He calls you to examine your hearts, to walk in his ways, to speak with integrity.

Speaker 1:

The prayer of the righteous is powerful because it flows from a life that longs for God. Above all, this is not an easy path. It's a cruciform path. It leads to a joy that the world can never give nor take away. So when you feel misunderstood, attacked or just weary of worldly schemes, run under the shadow of his wings. He sees, he surrounds, and one day you will see him. Now let's reflect and respond.

Speaker 1:

Number one can you pray with integrity, like David, or are there hidden sins that you need to confess before you can ask God to vindicate you? Number two in what ways have you experienced being surrounded by enemies, emotionally, spiritually or relationally? Number three how does God's covenant love, his said, bring comfort to your heart when you feel exposed or at risk? Number four what worldly comforts are you tempted to cling to as your portion rather than seeking the presence of God? Number five are you living for temporal satisfaction or for eternal joy? What does your prayer life reveal about your desires?

Speaker 1:

6. How can you help others walk in integrity and seek God's protection through righteous prayers? 7. What would it look like to entrust your situation entirely to the Lord, believing that he will one day satisfy you with his likeness?

Speaker 1:

Well, let us pray, father. Thank you for revealing yourself to us. Lord Jesus, I praise you and thank you because you are the anchor of our soul and Holy Spirit. I pray that you would remind us that, as we cry out to you, that you hear us and that you will respond and remind us of your glory. Help us to reflect you in this wicked world. In your name, we pray, amen.

Speaker 1:

Well, if you're struggling with false accusations or spiritual attacks, remind yourself of the truth of the Psalm. Do me a favor as well Consider joining our free navigator level of our Lessons for Life community at jameslongjrorg slash community for devotionals, meetups and training that will help you walk by faith. Or if you want to explore our full memberships at jameslongjrorg slash, sign up now for deeper coaching and content designed to help you grow in emotional, relational and spiritual wisdom. Well, thank you so much for being with us. Remind yourself of this you are not forgotten, you are seen, you are sheltered and you are satisfied if you are in Christ. So thank you again for being with us. Until next time, be blessed, take care everyone.

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James Long, Jr.

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