God’s Saving Word: Justice and Peace
Introduction
Psalm 17: Today’s reading is a prayer for God’s help. The psalm writer was probably falsely accused or faced unwarranted threats, and the prayer is a plea for justice.
Scripture Reading
The Prayer of an Innocent Person
17 Listen, O Lord, to my plea for justice;
pay attention to my cry for help!
Listen to my honest prayer.
2 You will judge in my favor,
because you know what is right.
3 You know my heart.
You have come to me at night;
you have examined me completely
and found no evil desire in me.
I speak no evil,
4 as others do;
I have obeyed your command
and have not followed paths of violence.
5 I have always walked in your way
and have never strayed from it.
6 I pray to you, O God, because you answer me;
so turn to me and listen to my words.
7 Reveal your wonderful love and save me;
at your side I am safe from my enemies.
8 Protect me as you would your very eyes;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the attacks of the wicked.
Deadly enemies surround me;
10 they have no pity and speak proudly.
11 They are around me now, wherever I turn,
watching for a chance to pull me down.
12 They are like lions, waiting for me,
wanting to tear me to pieces.
13 Come, Lord! Oppose my enemies and defeat them!
Save me from the wicked by your sword;
14 save me from those who in this life have all they want.
Punish them with the sufferings you have stored up for them;
may there be enough for their children
and some left over for their children’s children!
15 But I will see you, because I have done no wrong;
and when I awake, your presence will fill me with joy.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 17:6
I pray to you, O God, because you answer me; so turn to me and listen to my words.
Reflect
What verses speak of the psalm writer’s trust in God? What does the writer ask of God? What situations have you experienced where you called upon God for help? What will you ask of God today?
Pray
Holy God, you know my heart, and when I pray to you, I trust that you listen to my words. I thank and praise you for revealing your wonderful love for me and for your steadfast care. Amen.
And now, join us in praising God that nearly 100,000 people in Argentina are receiving hope through God’s Word. Holy God, nearly half the population in Argentina live in poverty and struggle to survive. But thanks to Bible‒A‒Month Partners, Bibles are being provided and families are drawing closer to Jesus and growing in faith. Thank you, Lord God, that your Word is helping to restore hope for thousands of Argentinians. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 26: A plea for God’s declaration of innocence.