Today’s post is part of our Psalm Saturdays series from guest blogger Robert Chamberlain. You can contact him by sending a message to  bobjc88 @ gmail.com. You can also find him at his new blog at www.roberlain.blogspot.com .

Psalm 17:1–15 (ESV)
1 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 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. You fill their womb with treasure; 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.

This Psalm opens with the language of the courtroom. The Psalmist is like a persistent widow presenting her request to the judge. He insists that he’s got integrity, and a good case.

God doesn’t just judge His people’s enemies, He judges us too. If we’re walking in step with Him, we have nothing to fear from His judgement. He’s a Saviour to those who trust in Him.

The Psalmist knew he was the apple of God’s eye, but pleaded for help against his enemies. The enemy of our souls is going round like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

But our God isn’t just *like* a lion, He *is* the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who had defeated the evil one. The Psalmist notes that evildoers often have healthy, wealthy, and happy lives. But he contents himself with the prospect of meeting God face to face, and enjoying sweet fellowship with Him.

“Dear Lord, may we not envy the wicked, whose portion is in this life. We rejoice that our names are written in heaven, where we will worship and adore You forevermore, amen.”

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