S) "8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9 From the wicked who despoil me, My deadly enemies who surround me."
Psalm 17:8-9 (NASB)
O) David had very real threats to his life and throne. He also had promises from the LORD about the establishment of his kingdom (its success, longevity, etc.). His confidence in life came from his understanding that God cared for him, although he hadn't earned it - a fact he had proven with his own sins. Nevertheless, he knew that he had found favor in the eyes of his Lord, and so he sought to keep that favor, by appealing to his God who wills to give favor or not, according to His grace.
A) There is a sense in me, that asking for favor is not right. However, I see it throughout the scriptures. Appealing to lords and kings, appealing directly to God - the helpless seek favor from those who can help. Maybe one difference is that I do not sense "deadly enemies" in my life. Certainly, I make my requests known to God, but seldom do I think of it in terms of me asking God for me to be favored by Him. That really is what I should be asking, though. Forget the needs I perceive for a moment. If I am the favorite son of my dad, then I will rest in the assurance that he will do everything he can to help me through anything, as long as it is good. Since I am no longer worried about my needs, I can simply enjoy the relationship. So, if the favor of my Father God rests upon me (and certainly through Christ Jesus, there is plenty of scripture to support that), then I should also rest in the trust of His love, provision, and kindness. He will meet my needs, one way or another, and I can simply enjoy His presence, His peace, His relationship. This seems like a core issue. I should be seeking the relationship, not the benefit. In the relationship, I will not worry about my needs, my lack, my perceived deprivation. I will instead be satisfied in Him, not in what He does for me.
P) Father, by Your grace, I have been reconciled to You. Because of Jesus Christ, I found favor in Your sight. Because of that favor, I should not worry about provision or protection. I can let tomorrow worry for itself. Help me to rest in the assurance of Your favor, Father God. Help me instead, to seek a stronger relationship with You. Help me to focus my prayers more on listening, than on asking. Help me to focus on my relationship with You. Soften my heart to Your will. Open my eyes and ears. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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