My mind was racing, I was completely exhausted in both body and spirit. I wrapped myself in the blankets that she would use so that I could smell her familiar scent. I can remember the day that my Mom passed- I came home and sat on the couch where she had slept many nights. He will wrap his arms around me and give me comfort and rest when no other can.

I will ask him to protect me and my family. I will lean on him when I have angst in my life. His steadfast love reminds us that He will protect us time and time again. If you have surrendered your life to Him, then run to Him again and again. If you are under attack, run to the Lord-He will protect you. He provides a shelter from the storm, a hedge of protection from our enemies, and a shield from their weapons. What a wonderful reminder that God is a loving Heavenly Father, who serves as a refuge for the weary, an advocate for the poor, a strong tower for the weak, and a hiding place for the persecuted. He desires to hide under the shelter of God’s wings until the danger has passed. David does not yet want God to destroy his enemies, but would be satisfied simply with being ‘kept’ from his enemies. His first request is not for victory over his foes, but for protection from his foes. But, his first request is not offensive, but defensive. In the second part of his request, which we will look at tomorrow, David moves on the offensive and asks God to attack his enemies. David knows that he has no escape, so he turns to the Lord and begs for salvation.

They have surrounded David’s cohort, set their eyes to the slaughter, and are rearing back, preparing to pounce on their prey like a lion in ambush. Contrary to the steadfast love of God, David’s enemies “close their hearts to pity”-they show no mercy. He hints at the danger that he is in by describing the ruthlessness of his enemies. Why? Because his enemies “surround” him, and he is afraid. When we seek our temporal, earthly refuge in God, we know that He will be faithful to provide a safe haven, because He has already been so faithful in providing eternal salvation for us.ĭavid asks God to be his “refuge,” to “keep” him, and “hide,” him. Because He is abounding in steadfast, unfailing, great, faithful loving kindness to those whom He has chosen, we can rest in Him. For this reason, the Bible Project chooses to translate it as ‘loyal love.’ It is related to God’s covenant to His people, Israel, and His faithfulness to that covenant. It has variously been translated as ‘loving-kindness,’ ‘steadfast love,’ ‘unfailing love,’ ‘great love,’ ‘faithful love,’ and more. However, there is no direct English translation of this attribute from the Hebrew. He talks of God’s ‘steadfast love,’ or ‘ chesed,’ which is one of God’s most prominent attributes in the Old Testament. Notice how David begins his request with a focus on God. In verses 7-12, David makes his first request, which is essentially, “God protect me from my enemies.” Only then does David finally get to the first of his two prayer requests. David spends the beginning of Psalm 17 beseeching God to hear his prayer, and remembering how God has declared him as righteous in His sight. Prayer is communication with the God of the Universe.

When we pray, it is important not to jump right into our requests.

Keep your enemies close scripture