Psalm 17: Under attack
It is not fair! I didn’t do that! I didn’t say that! I didn’t mean that! How could you accuse me so unfairly? We know that persecution will come Jesus promised it, fair and square “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely” (Matthew 5:11) but when it comes it always takes us by surprise and knocks us off our feet because it tends to come from people that we thought liked us and trusted us and it hurts, it really hurts. The wicked circle in for the attack their hearts closed to pity their mouths shouting arrogance their eyes set to throw me to the ground they hunt me down, they surround me! And sometimes attack comes from those we love the most and trust crumbles into betrayal affection twists into anger “There are two paths to peace” said Nelson Mandela, “forgiveness and goodness.” “From you let my vindication come” said David, Test me and find no hatred in me Wondrously show your steadfast love Mighty and righteous God, protect me from attack rescue me from any need for revenge May I leave all judgment in your hand Teach me to forgive and to act in goodness and genuine love in every moment, every conversation May I bless those who curse me May they and their children be filled with good things For your love and power has chosen me Guard me as the apple of your eye Hide me in the shadow of your wings I rest in the glow of your face I wake in the confidence of your presence |
Psalm 17: Guard me as the apple of your eye
Guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Can you see me, God? Do you know who I am? See into the dark, see my every secret, watch the path I walk, see my every step - I do my best to follow you. Guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Can you hear me, God? Do you hear my cries for help? Listen to the whispers of my enemies as they plot to bring me down, like lions they lurk waiting to pounce on me! Guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. I call out to you, for I know that you are near. I pray to you, for I know that you protect me. In your love I am safe, in your steadfast love. You are my savior, my wonderful Saviour. With the eyes of my heart I will see you, I will see your face and be filled with joy. Guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17: The apple of your eye Hear me, Lord, I know you are listening My prayer is sweet and pure Look here, Lord, probe my heart You see right through me, and I am all yours Answer me, Lord, when I call on you Turn your eyes my way, tune your ear to my voice Show me, Lord, the wonders of your love Save me by the power of your mercy Keep me as the apple of your eye Hide me in the shelter of your wings Protect me from all that would harm me As for me, in my life, I will stand tall in you I will see your face and have all that I need. |