Psalm 17:1-9
With
today’s medical advances, it seems that X-rays are still the first non-invasive
look into our bodies when there is pain that can’t be explained, or when ruling
out other causes. Now X-rays have improved greatly over the years. Now they are
done digitally, at least in the developed world. There is no film, no need to
wait for development, and no need for second X-rays if the exposure was not
quite right. Now the images can be manipulated with the scroll and click of a
mouse.
You
can do a quick search of the Web and find thousands of examples of X-rays. Some
of those images show the stupidity of those whose image is displayed. Some show
the grace of God in the middle of an accident. You expect children to swallow
strange objects. But some adults never leave childhood.
But
no X-ray can examine the human heart. We can’t see the spiritual condition of a
person. Even with brain scans and advances far beyond what was available even a
few years ago, there is still so much we can’t see in the mind.
Our
writer struggles in the middle of an attack on his character. He can’t prove
his integrity in a human court, let alone the court of public opinion. So he
pleads with the LORD. He wants the LORD to do an examination of his motives and
actions. He knows, at least from his own knowledge, that when this happens he
will come out clean. He needs the LORD to vindicate him, give him the two
thumbs up. He needs to know that he is still on a solid footing with the LORD. So
he prays.
He
has resisted making plans to harm others. He has received offers of a bribe,
but has refused it. He has remained gentle and kind, when others might have
been provoked to using their power to harm others. He feels like he has
remained faithful to the LORD in the conduct of his life.
But
he needs reassurance of God’s protection and presence. He needs feedback from
the LORD. He needs to know that his self-assessment is accurate. He wants to
know he is still in good standing with the LORD. He doesn’t want anything to
get in the way of the closeness he has experienced. He says, “Show me.” In the
middle of his prayer, his crying out to the LORD, he needs some tangible
evidence of the LORD’s love toward him.
I
don’t know about you, but there have been times in my life when I have said in
essence, “Show me.” I have needed to see the LORD’s hand move. I felt
disconnected, alone, stranded, misunderstood, under attack. I felt I needed to
see the LORD’s power change my circumstance. I needed to know that the LORD had
me as the object of His loving gaze.
Have
you been there? Are you there now? Can you allow the LORD to do His work in you
at this moment? Are you willing to come under the shelter He provides?