Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed. Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled. I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

The Lord hears the prayers of those whose hearts are right with him. When I am wronged, I do not need to retaliate. I can rest in the knowledge that God loves me and has great plans for me.

When I live my life with God as my focus and guide, I have nothing to fear. For through the blood of Jesus, I have been cleansed and sanctified. (This Old Testament passage does not directly reference the grace given in sending Jesus, but it does infer the grace of God. Otherwise the writer could not count on it, as we are all sinners and have missed the mark.)

What I love here is the steadfastness of this man — how he holds his ground, stays on the path to salvation, and does not waiver. This shows his closeness to God and confidence in his relationship with him. Closeness and confidence with God are key to standing our ground when tempted!

The prayer is not for the wicked people to be sent away; instead it is for protection and for God to look out for him. I can learn much here. Setting aside my selfish desires for comfort, I can focus on God’s will to save souls and ask for his protection.

Lord, thank you for this wonderful Psalm! It amazes me and fills me to overflowing with your truth and grace. In the middle of the chaos of this world, I simply draw close to you and act in confidence with you.