Psalm 17:7 conveys the wonders of God’s great love. There are at least four things we can say about his love from this verse alone.  

First, God’s love is evident.  The Psalmist knows God’s love is not some intangible, abstract concept. It can be seen.  He calls on God to show it to him. It is evident in the way God works his love out towards his people. If we want to know God’s love, we need only open our eyes to what he has done in the world.

Secondly, God’s love is wonderful.  The way God works his love out into the lives of his people—the way he supplies our needs, surrounds us with protection, and subdues the evil pressing down on us—is miraculous.  This doesn’t mean that his works are always spectacular. On the contrary, the wonderful works of God are with us every day. We do well to find miracles in the mundane. In the provision of food, the intricacy of the human body, and the rising and falling of the sun. God’s love is a wonder.

Thirdly, God’s love is oriented towards rescue, and so it goes hand in hand with his grace and mercy. He is not waiting for us to beautify ourselves before expressing his love for us.  His love is not contingent on our moral charm. He loves us at our ugliest when we’re drowning. He loves us when we have nothing to offer.

Fourthly, God’s love stands in unique contrast to almost everything we experience in a hostile world. It’s hard to feel safe bearing the name of Jesus in our time. Because we’re not progressive, we’re mocked as being backward. And yet the very name which attracts hostility from the world is the same name that offers eternal safety in God’s kingdom. Where the world condemns, God shows compassion. Where the world threatens, God offers safety. Where the world pushes away, God reaches out. The wonders of God’s love should always stun us. The one who gave himself for us even while we were still sinners should attract our strongest adoration. In Christ, God’s love for us is wonderfully evident, and the safety he offers there is sure.