Psalm 17:1-5

“If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;   my mouth does not transgress.” vs. 3

This psalmist is asking God for protection against enemies and prefaces his request with a claim of complete personal righteousness. Evidently he believed that his purity would enhance his chances for vindication and victory. His request reflects his belief in the doctrine of rewards, the conviction that those who live good and decent lives will receive God’s favor and blessings. That’s not only an ancient belief, one that is found throughout our scriptures, it also resonates with our contemporary convictions about justice. Many of us are also convinced that there is a direct relationship between sowing and reaping, and we can certainly find bible verses to back our reasoning. The problem is that life is more complicated than this and doesn’t always reflect what we would like it to be. Sometimes, many times in fact, we do not get what we deserve and our heartfelt prayers go unanswered even when we’ve lived impeccable lives. Because we are broken people living in a broken world, we will very likely experience undeserved pain and suffering. That’s just the way it is! But that does not mean that we have been abandoned or are being punished. God is always with us in our unpredictable world, and we will receive strength and comfort in every circumstance, not because we deserve it, but purely because God is good!

Thought for the Day: What does God find in your heart?