We turn to Psalm 17 for our study this morning. This psalm is a prayer to God, and its content suggests it was written during one of the outlaw periods of David's life, either when he was young and on the run from King Saul (who saw him as a threat and wanted him dead)—or it could also be from David's later life, when he was in exile after his son Absalom wrested the throne from him. David's public ministry was bookended by those times of severe affliction during which he was a fugitive, living under severe hardship, burdened with grief, and tormented by every conceivable tribulation. It was the polar opposite of life in the luxury of a royal palace.
So this is the heart-cry of a downtrodden soul. The title simply identifies it as a prayer of David. And it is the outpouring of David's troubled heart from one of those difficult periods either near the beginning or near the end of his ministry.
It reminds us that the best of saints often suffer the worst of sorrows, and when they do, it is right that they pour out their hearts to God in perfect, candor. The best prayers are honest and passionate expressions of earnest hearts—and that is true whether the heart is full of rejoicing, or in severe distress. There's never any encouragement in Scripture to stifle our frustrations and disappointments when we come to God in prayer. If there's one time we can be totally transparent, it's when we pray, because God already knows our hearts. And He encourages us to come boldly and pour out our hearts to Him the way a little child would come to a tender, loving father...
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“ Beautiful Peace Giving Sermon! ” This Psalm as explained by Brother Phil gave me wonderful assurance and comfort for a difficulty I am going through. It went to the depth of my problem and sadness I'm feeling and all the positive answers here give me the life I will be living in eternity and makes today's trail and sadness something that will soon pass with such a great reward being with Christ Jesus -- Outstanding blesings.
Phil Johnson is Executive Director of Grace to You, the media ministry of John MacArthur. Phil is also an elder at Grace Community Church, where he pastors the GraceLife fellowship group. He is probably best known for his websites, which include The Spurgeon Archive and The Hall...
