While it is true that we are sinners, there are times when we can honestly say that we did nothing to deserve the evil inflicted upon us or the slander directed at us. In our innocence, we turn to a loving God and plead our case, seeking vindication and justice.
This is the context for Psalm 17.
To read this psalm in worship without unpacking it in a sermon may leave the worshiper perplexed. One helpful approach to make it more easily understood is to study the psalm and rewrite it in your own words. Below I have done just that. You are free to use or adapt it for use in worship or your own devotional life.
In my rewriting, I preserved the psalm’s original structure and imagery. Because injustice is often an embodied experience, I also retained the references to various parts of the body.
Psalm 17 in My Words
God, it isn’t right.
I haven’t done anything to deserve this.
You’ve got to listen to my side of the story
—my lips don’t lie.
You’ll see I’m in the right,
and you’re going to stand up and clear my name.
Feel free to dig deep into my heart.
Go ahead, burst into my house unannounced—
even in the middle of the night.
You can search all you want,
but you won’t find a shred of evidence against me.
My mouth doesn’t lie.
The world is consumed by violence.
Many people think violence is the only way,
but I haven’t bought into that lie.
I have always followed your commandments.
My feet have been glued to the straight and narrow;
I haven’t drifted off the path.
That is why I know you will answer me when I cry for help.
Lean close, listen to what I am saying.
Show me evidence of your relentless, fierce love—
because in a world full of monsters, I need you to be my safe place.
I know I am precious to you,
so protect me.
Keep me safe in your presence and hide me
from the vicious people trying to tear my life apart,
from the circling predators who want me dead.
Despite all of that,
this is what I know to be true:
because I have done what is right,
I’m going to look you in the face.
When I wake up from this nightmare,
I will see you.
I’ll see you in the world around me,
and I will find peace.
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 13 (18)
Year C: Season after Pentecost—Proper 27 (32)
