Own It

        In Psalm 7, David is appealing to God for deliverance from wicked opponents who were seeking to harm him in some way. He vividly describes them as a lion seeking to tear his soul and drag him away (vv.1-2). He calls upon God, as the Righteous Judge, to rise up and vindicate him before his enemies (vv.6-11). And while the upright can trust God to deliver them, the wicked cannot expect the same treatment (vv.12-16).

But in the midst of this larger discussion, David has a moment of introspection. Note what he writes in vv. 3-5: “O LORD my God, if I have done this, if there is injustice in my hands, if I have rewarded evil to my friend, or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary, let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it; and let him trample my life down to the ground and lay my glory in the dust. Selah” (Psalm 7:3-5). David was struggling to find a reason for what he was enduring. These words perhaps give us some insight into the methods of David’s accusers. In some way, they were calling into question his character. It isn’t that he is professing to be sinless but he does believe there is no basis for the accusations against him. To his credit, David is willing to own it if he has been blind to his own flaws.

This is a great example to all of us when we face our own critics in life. It’s always good to pause long enough to consider if perhaps our struggles with others may be the result of some sinful behavior in our own life. It may or may not be true. If our conscience is clear, then great. Forge ahead and trust God to deal with the critics. But if there is a sin in our life that has provided fuel for the critic, then we need to own it before God (and maybe even our critic). May God help us to be honest about our own flaws

God loves you!

Mike

 

Like A Dread Champion

“I am weary with my sighing; every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears. My eye has wasted away with grief; it has become old because of all my adversaries” (Psalm 6:6-7).

Perhaps these words of David resonate with you. Maybe you have walked the road of suffering that makes this description seem hauntingly familiar. The specific situation that prompted the deep emotions isn’t revealed. He does mention “adversaries” in v.6 and “enemies” in v.10. Whatever the “backstory,” the pain and struggle David is experiencing is deep and overwhelming. Where do you turn in times like these?

David turns to the Lord. And in doing so, he has a word for those who were causing him grief. “Depart from me, all you who do iniquity, for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD has heard my supplication, the LORD receives my prayer.” (Psalm 6:8-9). What gives David confidence to confront his adversaries?  His hope is centered in the faithful attention of God. “...for the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping…” (v.8). “The LORD has heard my supplication…” (v.9). “...the LORD receives my prayer.” (v.9). 

The final verse in Psalm 6 highlights an important reversal. “All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; they shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed” (v.10). Earlier in the psalm, it was David’s bones and soul that were dismayed (vv. 2-3). Now it’s David’s enemies who will experience it. David’s hope in God allows him to see the fate of his enemies, even though his eyes are filled with tears.

When you are facing your own difficult season in life, remember you have a Champion in your corner. “But the LORD is with me like a dread champion; therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed, with an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten” (Jeremiah 20:11). Lean on Him to deal with your adversaries.

God loves you!

Mike