Human satisfactions are only temporary – although something achieved after a big effort, like planning and building a new home, can provide a sense of satisfaction for many years. As we read the Psalms of David and reflect on his life, we see in his youth how he was separated from his family (1 Samuel 16:11; 17:28) and then an outcast because of Saul’s jealousy. But this was ‘good’ for David, because he learnt to rely on his God; his prayers to his Creator were the genuine outpourings of his heart. Psalm 17 starts, “Hear a just cause, O LORD, attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! From your presence let my vindication come”.

In shepherding and defending his father’s flock, especially at night, David developed a sense of awe about what God must be! This led him to say, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him …” (Psalm 8:3,4). David had developed an intense awareness and faith in God, so wonderfully evident to others as he went forward to face Goliath. Did many appreciate this?

Returning to Psalm 17 we see his prayer is “Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Saviour of those who seek refuge from their adversaries … from men of the world whose portion is in this life” (verses 7,14). We are surrounded by those who see this life as all they have. In most cases they are not our adversaries, but how little do we have in common with those who are satisfied to spend their time entirely “in this life”. Can we do more to encourage them to see our existence from David’s and our perspective?

Finally, look at the last verse, “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness”. Utterly wonderful – beyond our comprehension … think of meeting David after the resurrection! Ponder prayerfully the prospect of being satisfied in a way that is far beyond any comparison with this life.