Psalm 17
A prayer of David.
1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2 May my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right.
3 Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
though you test me, you will find nothing;
I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.
4 As for the deeds of men—
by the word of your lips
I have kept myself
from the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
7 Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10 They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance.
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a great lion crouching in cover.
13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down;
rescue me from the wicked by your sword.
14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men,
from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
You still the hunger of those you cherish;
their sons have plenty,
and they store up wealth for their children.
15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
The verse that stood out to me the most while reading this Psalm, was Verse 5 "My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped."
I wish I could say, that in my life, this was true. I know that God has such an amazing plan for my life. But how many times do I delay what He has for me, by taking my own scenic route? How many times do I decide what is best for myself without even thinking twice about consulting God on the matter?
His path isn't always peaceful or easy to walk upon. Sometimes it is hilly or steep. Some areas are treacherous. But throughout the journey, my loving father is my guide. I know that the end of the path will be glorious and perfect because it will take me to the point where I have fulfilled His will for my life.
If I could only learn how to stay on His path and not wander off. I mean, come on God, the flowers over that way are so beautiful. Or that path nearby looks like it leads to that gorgeous waterfall. Are you sure I am supposed to keep going on the path you have me on? You do know that it appears to be leading toward some jagged boulders, don't you? I think I prefer the waterfall, God.
Oh if only I could always stay on course and keep my feet from slipping!!!!
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