Reward

Psalm 17:1-15 NIV

Hear me, Lord , my plea is just;
listen to my cry.
Hear my prayer—
it does not rise from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from you;
may your eyes see what is right. 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. Though people tried to bribe me,
I have kept myself from the ways of the violent
through what your lips have commanded. My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not stumbled. I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me. They close up their callous hearts,
and their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground. They are like a lion hungry for prey,
like a fierce lion crouching in cover. Rise up, Lord , confront them, bring them down;
with your sword rescue me from the wicked. 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. As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

There is a lot that could be said about this psalm but what struck me today was the last few lines of this prayer to God by the psalmist.  Those who live for God seek a reward that is not of this world and ultimately comes to its fruition in the life to come.  Those who live as followers of Jesus, who give there lives to Christ, find satisfaction in seeing Jesus face to face.

What is the reward we are after?
What are we seeking to satisfy us?

Today, I pray this psalm with the psalmist.

Love today.

In Christ's love and mine,
Doug

PS Did you catch that you are the apple of God's eye?  You are!