Psalm 17:1-7 SEE

Go for a walk.  Print this page or bring your phone so that you have access to this devo but go for a walk.  As you walk, focus on what you see around you.  Now bring that focus to you, the noises you are making in your steps, the brushing of your clothes, etc.  Now bring that focus to your slowed down breathing, and breathe.

This week’s devotions are based around the words of Psalm 17:1-7(NIV)

1 Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2 Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.

4 Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.

5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

In a short reflection of this Psalm we can point to a few different things.  First we notice the psalmist, we assume David, and God have an active relationship.  They engage each other frequently.  The psalmist writes about his faithfulness to God. There is an invitation for God to look at the psalmist’s heart, to visit and test him proving his faithfulness.  The Psalmist then  asks that God act on behalf of the psalmist.   Second, the psalmist trusts that as he prays to God, God will listen and answer him.  The psalmist is bringing his deepest concerns and worries to God, trusting that God is and will respond.  Finally the Psalmist acknowledges God’s steadfast love.

Today I want us to draw our attention to the phrase that we find in verse 2 “see what is right”. And more specifically to the word “SEE”. I want to invite you to either take a picture, scroll through your phone’s picture roll or think of a picture or image that represents the word “SEE” to you.  Got it??

Reflect on these on that picture or image and these questions.

1.     If you are walking or have stopped on your walk, name the things you “SEE” that cause you to smile, cause you to wonder, cause you to worry.

2.     How do you want God to “SEE” you? to “SEE” others? And what makes that easy or difficult?

3.     What do you “SEE” in God and/or Jesus?

4.     As we move toward Easter and towards resurrection, what do you “SEE” in this world or in your life that is waiting/longing for Christ, for the love of Jesus?

If you can, share your image on Easter Connect.

“GOD thank you for listening, seeing and protecting us.  Help us to do the same to all of your people.  AMEN”

Heads up for Saturday’s devotion, start the devo in the morning.