GOD’S HAND OF PROTECTION (1)

“Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek REFUGE from their adversaries at Your RIGHT HAND” – Psalm 17:7, ESV

Supernatural Security and Impregnable Refuge reside in GOD’S HAND of PROTECTION: “Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek REFUGE from their adversaries at YOUR RIGHT HAND. Keep me as the apple of YOUR EYE; hide me in the shadow of YOUR WINGS” (Psa.17:7-8, English Standard Version). In this prayer for Divine Protection, David expressed confidence in the Lord’s ability to keep him safe and secure by means of His HAND, EYE, and WINGS! Surrounded by vicious enemies, David knew he was helpless without the Lord's intervention. The “right hand” refers to strength, authority, and power. Those who look for eternal safety and absolute goodness find it only in God: “O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord. My goodness is nothing apart from You” (Psa.16:2).

The text records David's urgent plea for a rescue operation when he faced persecution; most likely when Saul was pursuing him in the wilderness. He opened his conversation with God by asserting that he was in the right and free from deceit and evil association (vv.1-4). He proclaimed God as the Savior of those who seek refuge in Him from their enemies, and appealed to the Lord to heed his cry and reveal His goodness – His steadfast love (vv.6-7). This echoes comments made elsewhere in the psalms: “God is our REFUGE and strength, a very present help in trouble”; “In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my REFUGE, is in God” (Psa. 46:1; 62:7).

The word translated “steadfast love,” implies a loyal, devoted love. It suggests an ongoing relationship, which matches David's confidence that God hears and answers prayer: “I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech” (v.6). Verse 8 used two famous phrases that describe God's tender care and love: “apple of the eye” and “shadow of your wings.” Zechariah 2:8 is the confidence of the child of God: “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” David compared his enemy to a treacherous, ferocious, stealthy, bloodthirsty lion: “He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush” (v.12, ESV). But when we know our position in Christ – the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – and humbly submit to Him in prayer, we can be confident and firm in faith as David was.

David was certain the God who provided a refuge for His people at the Red Sea would provide a refuge for him and for all who seek His protection. In a mighty display of His love for Israel, God caused the waters of the Red Sea to pile up, allowing His people to cross safely on dry ground, but when the Egyptians attempted to pursue Israel, God brought the waters together, causing the enemies to drown (Exo.14:28). In his praise of God after the historic event, Moses spoke of God's stretched out right hand and “steadfast love” (Exo.15:12-13).

As David was often surrounded by enemies, we may also be engulfed by diverse challenges – relatives who oppose us because of our faith in Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour, a back-stabbing colleague at work, business rivals who plot against us, or abuse. Whatever it be, the wise option is to run to the Lord for divine protection. We can stand on God’s unfailing promises: “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (Psa.91:15).

Though David began the Psalm with a cry, he ended with the declaration of a great hope. God is working on the canvas of our lives to make us more like Him if we are willing to cooperate with Him and allow the transformation to take place: “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (v.15).