Save Me from Men of the World

Scripture:
With your hand, Lord, save me from men,
from men of the world
whose portion is in this life:
You fill their bellies with what you have in store;
their sons are satisfied,
and they leave their surplus to their children.
Psalm 17:14

Observation: The psalmist - David - asks the Lord for protection from one enemy ... men of the world. These are men who live for the things and ideals of earth. They satisfy their earthly desires for food, riches, and comfort, even to such a great extent that they stockpile extra wealth to leave as an inheritance to their children.

These are the men David fears ... those motivated to achieve worldly success.

Application: There is a terrible 'worldly' fear growing right now, related to financial downturns and potential unemployment as layoffs occur all around. It's a bad time, especially if someone were to cling to a definition of personal success that aligns to earthly wealth. I know there are aspects of that alignment which applies to me, as I enjoy great meals, comfortable living, a lovely house, and nice vacations. While I am aware that I am unworthy of such blessings in my life, I also enjoy them.

It is for this reason that, like David, I fear men and women who themselves desire only these things, for they will wield earthly power and authority to maintain, retain, and acquire their portion of all this. I know several such people who literally have more than they could ever need or even want - SO much that all they can possibly do with it is store it to pass on to their children because they themselves could never spend it all in their lifetimes - who are even now taking away comfort and hope from others in order to ensure the security of their own riches. Earthly logic justifies this. However, certainly the Lord does not.

In the earthly context, like David I fear men of the world, and pray to the Lord to save me from them and their decisions. That said, I also have full confidence in the Lord, and with my prayer I trust the Lord will order my path to align to his plan and purposes.

Prayer: Lord, please, with your hand, save me and my family from men of the world. They are men whose entire portion is found in this life, for they have no portion with you, and for this reason they store up everything they can in the material world. This is a motivation that can hurt others here on earth, however it has no eternal context. I trust in you in this life, and hope in you for eternal life. Amen.