Psalms 7:8-12 (ESV)As I read this Psalm, I ask myself, am I bold enough tell God to judge my righteousness and my integrity? I know for the most part I'm a pretty good guy. I try to live with integrity. However, what about the little white lies that come out sometimes without even thinking about it? How about when I get annoyed or lose my temper, even if I don't show it? What about driving 75 when the speed limit is 65?
8 The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. 9 Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous— you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God! 10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. 11 God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. 12 If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow;
These may seem like small things. However, If I pray this Psalm, I'm telling a perfect and holy God to judge me. It's not even just my actions that this Psalm is asking God to judge. It's the integrity that is in me, it's a heart issue.
When it comes to salvation of my soul, I know I am saved by faith alone. My faith in Jesus as Lord means I was justified when He rose from the dead (Romans 4:25). However, I don't know that this Psalm is necessarily about my eternal salvation.
David was asking for protection from his enemies. He was asking God to judge him, and then based on that judgment, save him from his wicked enemies. We know David was just a man. While a man after God's own heart, he was able to fall to some serious sins in his life, like adultery and murder. So how was he able to be so bold as to ask God to judge him before rescuing him?
I think the key is Psalms 7:12, "If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow;". Before I seek God's protection, I should first seek his forgiveness.
So what is the life application here for me? At the beginning of this Psalm (Psalms 7:1-2), David is pleading with God to save him from his pursuers that want to tear his soul apart like a lion. Can I really relate to this plea? I don't think I have anyone pursuing me like a lion. Or do I?
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)Maybe I better get down on my knees and repent so that when I ask God to judge me and deliver me, he will find an upright heart.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
