As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form. Psalm 17:15 WEB
King David’s Psalm seventeen is a faithful prayer. His words, “when I awake” express confidence in his salvation. This is made certain in our understanding of the Old Testament apocalyptic book of Daniel 12:2 which states, “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. WEB” In this Psalm, David contrasts his certainty of seeing God with the future of those who live for the world and place their faith in the flesh.
David is interesting as an Old Testament writer. The words, “when I awake,” highlight and foretell the redemptive power of the Messiah. And David is very human. He made mistakes in life and the Lord corrected him. He knew the consequences of sin firsthand. And yet, David knew repentance and the forgiveness of the Lord. Long before the birth of Jesus, David knew of the saving grace of God.
Like believers in the Christian era, the Holy Spirit dwelt with King David. From the time of his anointing by Samuel, the spirit of truth resided with him. As we read in 1 Samuel 16:13, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So, Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. KJV”
The Joy of Your Salvation
When the prophet Nahum came to David after his committing adultery with Bathsheba, the confrontation with his own sin caused deep despair. And so, David sought forgiveness. It is important to note that the king felt the real danger of the Holy Spirit leaving him because of his sin.
We read about this in Psalm 51:10-12 where in response to the crisis David says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Don’t throw me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. WEB”
It is clear that David’s confidence in his salvation relied on his trust that God forgives the truly repentant. Only Christ lived without sin. And yet David saw himself as righteous, not because of his perfect record, but rather because of his assurance of forgiveness for turning from his sin and serving God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. When I awake, I am sure to see your face because of the righteousness of my Savior. Test my heart and correct me when I stray from your way. Guide me to do your will while here on earth. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Faithful Witness
