Whom Might the 'Me' Be?

So here might be the questions to come of this very loaded verse from the Psalmist: 1) Whom might the 'me' be, and 2) does his assertion relate to me?  3) Whose face will that 'me' behold, and 4) what manner of 'righteousness' has this one to present? 5) Does this one offer a beholding that is natural or in some way, transformed?  6) What is the nature of this satisfaction mentioned, and 7) is the stated awakening literal [from sleep] or a metaphor [from death]?  8) How close is that one to 'Thy face' and 9) where are these two, to have such a meeting? 10) What is the nature of this change of 'likeness'? 11) Might this one be dreamily viewing the image in a mirror, 12) or is there actually a second person being met with?

The answers: 1) Us and 2) Yep. 3) God's. 4) Perfect righteousness. 5) Radically transformed gaze. 6) Peace and 7) Joy! 8) Death. 9) Real close, in glory! 10) Glorification. 11) No dream. No mirror. 12) And yes [The Lord]. [I'm working on brevity for 2026!]

Psalm 17 gives us a view of contrasting trajectories, between those, an unrighteous lot, whose orientation is earthy and practical, and whose living is materially well-off leading to further gain even unto future generations, and those whose right leaning, trusting, and piety simply and wonderfully results in an appointment with unfiltered grace.

With the clingy leftovers from 2025 poking into 2026 and undermining our confidence for something different, something better, we need to faithfully lean upon His faithfulness to us, not as a point of speculation or guesswork, but upon His promises. God said it! Let's believe it! Let us continue "...Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ..." Titus 2:13

The Psalmist has pondered into a conclusion stating even though the wicked may enjoy earthly pleasures and now-gains, I am and "...shall be..." satisfied, with a satisfaction that exceeds the confines of this present life, that I will be like Him, transformed with righteousness to be righteous, to behold Him, face to face.

That is the 'but' of Psalm 17, though it is expressed as "As for me", a 'but' that we all need boast when challenged by life and the observation that it can be unfair and unsettling. Thankfully, God, too, is unfair. He offers us grace. Thankfully, God, too, is unsettling, inviting us to believe into an uncommon grandeur. His grace is sufficient. Amen!

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him." Lamentations 3:21-25.

Now, the eternal outcome of the unrighteous in this Psalm is not stated, however, we can surmise that in lacking the 'but' of the Psalmist, they're in a heap of trouble. Yes, believe in God, but also believe God. "For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds." Psalm 149:4,5

PRAYER: Precious hope, be a giant, and be very right,
and raise up this sinner with faith beyond sight.

May all upon knowing Him, further make known the seed of truth sown of Him,
Him brightly shown.

Precious hope, be a giant, and be very real,
and raise up this sinner to prayerfully kneel.

Let all leaning and gleaning be righteous this day,
matched only by love, wholly lighting the way.

To God be the glory, great things He has done,
in the name of the Father, the Spirit, the Son.

To God be the glory, great things He has done.
Precious hope, draw us kindly, to all be as one.

To God be the glory, great things He has done,
 in the name of the Father, the Spirit, the Son.

To God be the glory, great things He has done.
Precious hope, shine with power, with Thine Lord, begun."
By Dea. McNeal Brockington