Summer days at the beach and the pool are busy times for parents. There is little rest, relaxation, or reading when you have to keep an eagle eye on the little ones. Sand castle building, running into the surf, jumping into the deep end, hunting for ghost crabs, etc. all require careful parental monitoring. And if you take your eyes off them for a second to grab something from the beach bag, you’ll likely hear, “Mommy and Daddy, WATCH!” as your child perfects a somersault, learns to swan dive, or masters flying a kite.

We feel better when Mommy and Daddy are watching, don’t we?

Psalm 17 begins with the same plea to our Heavenly Father. Daddy, watch! Daddy, listen!

Psalm 17 (Common English Bible)

Listen to what’s right, Lord;
    pay attention to my cry!
Listen closely to my prayer;
    it’s spoken by lips that don’t lie!
² My justice comes from you;
    let your eyes see what is right!
³ You have examined my heart,
    testing me at night.
You’ve looked me over closely,
    but haven’t found anything wrong.
    My mouth doesn’t sin.
⁴ But these other people’s deeds?
    I have avoided such violent ways
    by the command from your lips.
⁵ My steps are set firmly on your paths;
    my feet haven’t slipped.

This Psalm, attributed to David, was probably written during his time of being hunted and persecuted by King Saul. Young David is without a defender. He feels vulnerable. He is being oppressed and feels alone. So he cries out to his Daddy.

⁶ I cry out to you because you answer me.
    So tilt your ears toward me now—
    listen to what I’m saying!
⁷ Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways
    because you are the one
    who saves those who take refuge in you,
    saving them from their attackers
    by your strong hand.

Have you ever been in a similar situation? I sure have. I have felt attacked, misrepresented, vulnerable, and alone. That does not feel good. Are you feeling this way today? What does it mean to you to realize that God is always tilting his ears toward you?

This beautiful writing is a reminder that in fact, we are never alone. God sees. God hears. God will be our refuge against our attackers, and save us by his strong hand. When our steps are firmly on the path he has set before us, and if our feet do not slip from his ways, we will prevail and find safety in his arms.

No matter what it is you are dealing with today, know that God’s ears are tilted toward you and his faithful love will save you. Thanks be to God!