Thy Strong Word — Psalm 17. Keep praying saints: When surrounded by enemies—pray!

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Rev. Aaron Spratt, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Juneau, AK & missionary for Alaska Mission for Christ, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 17.

David confidently pleads with the LORD to hear and care for him. Knowing that in the LORD’s grace forgiveness was his, David invites an investigation of his sins. We find our complete confidence in the blood of Christ knowing that “our sins are not greater than Jesus’ forgiveness.” David was surrounded by enemies but we are in a Mighty Fortress, the Lord Jesus, who fights for us. “Arise O Lord, fight for me, bring me to You face to face, and fill us with grace that I may be satisfied with Your likeness above everything else. In Christ, Amen”

Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Psalm 17

In the Shadow of Your Wings

A Prayer of David.

17 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
2 From your presence let my vindication come!
Let your eyes behold the right!

3 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.
4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.

6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
7 Wondrously show[a] your steadfast love,
O Savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
9 from the wicked who do me violence,
my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They have now surrounded our steps;
they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
12 He is like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in ambush.

13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!
Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
14 from men by your hand, O Lord,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.[b]
You fill their womb with treasure;[c]
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

Footnotes

Psalm 17:7 Or Distinguish me by

Psalm 17:14 Or from men whose portion in life is of the world

Psalm 17:14 Or As for your treasured ones, you fill their womb

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org