Read Psalm 17. As you read, you’ll be tempted to see your own struggles. I dare you to read it in search of God’s Face.
Seriously, I’ll wait.
As I read these words, I sense urgency. I feel breathless as I take in David’s plea—his prayer, his petition. Every word, every phrase, every sentence is David crying out to the Lord.
You can almost feel his desperation for safety, security, and comfort.
A Confident Declaration
Then comes the final verse:
“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
Psalm 17:15, ESV
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.”
Full stop.
I read those words and feel peace. I feel calm.
These words are only calming because David knows who his God is.
If you’ve been around this space for long, you know I am passionate about you knowing who you are and knowing who your God is. When we get those two things right, the rest of life begins to align.
In these final words, David is confident in who his God is.
Fixing Our Focus
How fascinating are David’s last words in this psalm? Remember, he likely wrote these words while being pursued by King Saul, who was determined to kill him. His stress had to be intense, and yet, he chose to fix his focus on the face of God.
What about you?
I know stress pulls my attention away from God. I quickly find self-pity, chocolate, and a fluffy blanket. (Seriously, chocolate and a good blanket can fix anything, right?) But eventually, my belly hurts from too much chocolate, my heart longs for something deeper, and I get too warm under that blanket.
Lasting peace and complete hope are found in only one person—Jesus Christ.
I love Christopher Ash’s commentary:
The hope with which this psalm closes “upholds the believer’s heart in the darkest times of trouble.” For the glory of resurrection morning “shall cast human splendour into the shade, and leave the Lord’s people without one unsatisfied desire.” (Ash, Volume 2, p. 185)
When I search for “splendour” in earthly comforts or my own desires, I eventually come up empty-handed. But when my desires align with the heart of my Creator, full satisfaction is found—full hope, full peace, full delight, full joy.
Three Reminders for Seeking God’s Face in Stressful Times
- Shift Your Focus – Stress tempts us to fixate on our fears, but like David, we must redirect our gaze to God’s presence and promises.
Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12: 1b-2, ESV
- Seek Eternal Satisfaction – Temporary comforts may ease the moment, but true peace is found in beholding the face of God.
Set your minds on things that are above,
Colossians 3:2, ESV
not on things that are on earth.
- Rest in His Righteousness – Our security isn’t in our circumstances but in the unshakable righteousness of Christ.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
Matthew 6:33, ESV
and all these things will be added to you.
May I never replace seeking God’s face with temporary comforts. May my Creator fill my vision, and may I be satisfied.
A Call to Action
Take a moment today to step away from distractions and seek God’s face in prayer. Meditate on Psalm 17 and allow His presence to bring you peace. Maybe write out the scripture from this blog post and fill your thoughts with Truth.
Share in the comments how you refocus on God during stressful times—I’d love to hear from you!
References:
Ash, Christopher. The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set). vol. 2, Crossway, 2024. 4 vols.
Products
The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set)
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