David’s boldness is dramatic. He goes before God with confidence and conviction – not fearing what God may uncover in his heart. “Hear me, O Lord – my plea is just and my prayer does not rise from deceitful lips.” Most of us, when we go to God in prayer, begin with a plea for forgiveness, knowing that our lives fall short of God’s expectations and our best efforts.
David, in this psalm, had no fear of God. He said that “You, God, have probed my heart, examined me at night, have tested me and found no evil plans within me!” That’s boldness that we can actually see! Few of us would stand before God and make such statements! How was it that David could ask God to put him under His magnifying glass and have no fear? Was he a favorite of God’s? Did he do something that gave him special privileges in God’s sight? Or was he so aware of God’s love, mercy and grace that he could stand before God and say, “Judge me! I’ve been cleansed of my sin!”
David prayed for God’s presence to be with him and His eyes to be upon him. And we, as David, can make that same claim! Not because we have a clear conscience or a just plea. Not because God has examined us and found us faultless.
We can ask for God’s presence and His favors because we have a Savior Who cleanses us from all unrighteousness and Who pleads our cause before His Father. “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence,” said Paul.
Prayer: Your greatness and grace, Heavenly Father, are more than we deserve but not greater than our needs. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 17:1 Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips.