August 17
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PSALM 17 O LORD, YOU HAVE TRIED MY HEART AND HAVE TESTED ME
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. – Psalm 17:1-15
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, hear my plea, I have kept my mouth from lies and deceit
Please test my heart for I have followed your will and have done what’s right
You know everything about me, my thoughts, action, words and heart
Keep me in your gracious love so I will never stray from you or depart
I am not always strong especially when the enemy prowls like a lion
I get ambushed when I am weak; help me get on your path and obey
Deliver me from the unrighteous and let your word be the sword of my spirit
I look forward to behold your righteous face, you give me hope I embrace it
Keep your children from all the corruption in this world, sanctify them
Grant us grace and an abundance of your constant mercy and love.
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REFLECTION
• Do you come to God to ask him to examine your heart and test you?
• Why do you think some people resist being tested by God?