7/13 Psalm 17:15

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


David had many close calls. This is another of his prayers to God for deliverance from a strong enemy. He asked God to keep him as the apple of his eye (Psalm 17:8). That is that little image of yourself that you see in another's eye. He is asking for God to keep looking toward him as he looks toward God. He asks to be hidden under the shadow of God's wing. That is the picture of a mother bird protecting her young.

He then gives an interesting description of his enemy. Their portion is in this life (Psalm 17:14). In other words, they live for today and forget that eternity awaits them. It seemed to David that God allowed them to be successful. They are satisfied with a multitude of children and pass their abundant wealth on to them.

Then, as is often the case with David's songs, he ends with a declaration of praise. He reassures himself with what he knows is true in spite of appearances. David will behold the face of the LORD in righteousness. God will finish the work that He started in David. When he awakes from death, he will be satisfied with God's likeness. John the Beloved wrote that when we see the LORD, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). The sin nature will be eliminated. Holiness will describe all that we do and say. In contrast with the wicked, that was David's satisfaction. David lived for eternity.

Consider: Is the focus of your life this world or eternity?