Open Psalm 17 and read Verses 1-15. Open your heart. Walk rightly. Trust God completely.
Lyrics
¡Yaa-ha-hai!
Straight up protection from above.
Listen close.In the shadow of Your wings, I’m ridin’ free,
No cartel, no enemies can get to me.
Like the pupil of the eye, You keep me tight,
I’m coming vulnerable into the night.I dropped the heavy vest, left the armor on the floor,
Standing in Your light, I don’t fight no more.
I declare my hands are clean, my record clear,
I keep my heart right, got nothing to fear.Underneath Your wings, yeah, I find my rest,
Standing in the glory, man, I’m feeling blessed.
Eyes wide shut, got my soul confessed,
In this holy love…
Put the stress to rest!This is for the heavy hearts!
¡Ánimo!
Play it loud!Don’t need no convoys rolling down the street,
Your spirit is the only guard I need to meet.
Sheltered from the storm, locked inside the zone,
With You as my Boss, I am never alone.Underneath Your wings, yeah, I find my rest,
Standing in the glory, man, I’m feeling blessed.
Eyes wide shut, got my soul confessed,
In this holy love…
Put the stress to rest!
That’s the truth.
Confessed and blessed.
Psalm 17:1-15
Hear what is right, O Lord. Listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer, for it does not come from lying lips.
May You decide in my favor. May Your eyes see what is right.
You have tested my heart. You have visited me during the night.
You have tested me and have found nothing wrong.
I have decided that my mouth will not sin.
As for the actions of men, by the word of Your lips,
I have kept myself from the paths of those who want to hurt others.
My steps have followed Your paths.
My feet have not turned from them.
I have called to You, O God, for You will answer me.
Listen to me and hear my words.
Show Your great loving-kindness.
You save by Your right hand the people that come to You for help
from those who hate them.
Keep me safe as You would Your own eye.
Hide me in the shadow of Your wings,
from the sinful who fight against me,
those who would kill me and are all around me.
They have closed their fat hearts to pity.
And their mouths speak with pride.
They have followed our every step and are all around us.
They are watching for a way to bring us down to the ground.
He is like a hungry lion,
like a young lion hiding and waiting.
Rise up, O Lord. Stand against him.
Bring him down.
Save me from the sinful with Your sword.
O Lord, save me by Your hand from such men.
Their riches are in this life.
Their stomach is filled with what You have stored for them.
Their children are filled.
Let them leave some for their babies.
As for me, I will see Your face in what is right and good.
I will be happy to see You when I awake.
A Reflection on Psalm 17: Embracing Vulnerability and Righteousness
In this article, we delve deeply into the layers of Psalm 17, moving beyond a simple summary to a rich, interpretative exploration of its themes.
The psalmist stands before God in a state of complete vulnerability, much like a pupil hidden behind a closed eyelid, trusting in the body’s protection. In this metaphor, we see how the psalmist removes all defenses and presents himself openly before God, declaring his innocence and his commitment to righteousness.
Throughout the psalm, there’s a profound emphasis on seeking God’s justice and on the assurance that God sees the honesty of the heart. The psalmist isn’t just making a plea; he is engaging in a heartfelt dialogue, asking for God’s loving-kindness and protection as he navigates a world where enemies threaten on all sides.
In the final verses, the psalmist looks forward to the joy of seeing God’s face and resting in His presence, emphasizing a future hope rooted in righteousness. This is not just a simple prayer; it’s a profound meditation on trust, integrity, and the deep relationship between the believer and the Divine.
Lay down your defenses. Open your heart honestly before God.
Walk in righteousness, trust His protection, and choose to remain pure.