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Believers are warned to “be self-controlled and alert” because our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The same was true with David (vv.4, 9,10,12). Temptations were everywhere around him. “They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover” (v.12). David did not trust his own moral and spiritual strength to defeat such temptations but prayed to God for protection (vv.8,9,13,14). He also searched his own heart and made sure his heart was right with God (vv.1-3).
When he knew his heart was right with God, he could maintain his love and longing for the wonders of God’s love (v.7). He also knew God loved him and kept him as the apple of His eye (v.8). When we stray from God and His words, our hearts are polluted with things that rob us of noble desires (cf. Phil. 4:8).
David, just like any of us, loved beauty. But beauty can become a fatal attraction. David knew the danger. He had learned that ultimate beauty was in the “face” of God and His likeness (v.15; see Psalm 27:4).
Apr 7, 2026
MY STEPS ARE HELD TO GOD’S PATHS
Passage: bible.psalm 17:1-15
Key verse: 8
NIV
chapter 17
1. [A prayer of David.] Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer - it does not rise from deceitful lips.
2. Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.
3. 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.
4. Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.
5. My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.
6. I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
7. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.
8. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings
9. from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10. They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.
11. They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12. They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.
13. Rise up, Lord, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked.
14. By your hand save me from such people, Lord, from those of this world whose reward is in this life. May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones.
15. As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, search my heart and make it right with you. Keep me from all sorts of temptations. May I keep my ways pure before you so that I may always have spiritual desires to seek your beauty and love. Amen.
One Word: Let my vindication come from God