Day 180.
Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
from men by your hand, O Lord,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life…
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.
Psalm 17:13-15 ESV
The Psalmist shows us two perspectives. One has his aim set in this life. In the rest of verse 14 (which I did not quote) he explains what that means – to increase possessions that they might pass down to their children. While the goal is not bad in itself, it is detrimental when it takes precedence over justice and mercy for others. In other words, seeking this goal at the expense of others is to set your aim on things tied to this life. In contrast, the righteous has his aim on the next life. “When I awake” he writes in reference to a future resurrection, “I shall be satisfied with your likeness.”
I love his prayer in the meantime, which comes earlier in the Psalm, ” Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…” This is the understanding of the Psalmist that gives him the eternal perspective. He knows he is the Apple of God’s eye. Are you able to pray that?
