Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
A Prayer
1Rescue me from cruel
and violent enemies, Lord!
2They think up evil plans
and always cause trouble.
3 Their words bite deep
like the poisonous fangs
of a snake.
4Protect me, Lord, from cruel
and brutal enemies,
who want to destroy me.
5Those proud people have hidden
traps and nets
to catch me as I walk.
6You, Lord, are my God!
Please listen to my prayer.
7You have the power to save me,
and you keep me safe
in every battle.
8Don't let the wicked succeed
in doing what they want,
or else they might never
stop planning evil.
9They have me surrounded,
but make them the victims
of their own vicious lies.
10Dump flaming coals on them
and throw them into pits
where they can't climb out.
11Chase those cruel liars away!
Let trouble hunt them down.
12Our Lord, I know that you
defend the homeless
and see that the poor
are given justice.
13Your people will praise you
and will live with you
because they do right.
Reflect
Have you been the target of venomous words? Have you been the victim of cruel and malicious people? Bullying is rampant in our schoolyards. David knew these bullies well. He tells us that these people are always causing trouble (v 2) or as the NIV says, “They stir up war every day.” When I think of someone stirring up war I think of those who, by their words or actions, take joy in causing damage. They gossip. They slander. They cheat. They deceive. They betray. They cause the ruination of reputations, friendships, marriages, and ministries. Seriously, do these people have nothing better to do with their time?
In this Psalm we bear witness to David’s authentic relationship with the Lord. I love the freedom of expression that he has. I love that he gets real with the Lord. He is not afraid to let it all out: good, bad, and in between. Neither is he afraid to tell God what he thinks He needs to do with these people. He’s my kind of guy! Most of all, I love the way he balances his tattling tales with his unwavering assurance in God. Being a fugitive, he knew God defends the homeless. He experienced God’s protection firsthand. He had no doubt that God listened to him because the Lord was his God (v 6).
When my son was two years old his favourite hymn was “Holy, Holy, Holy.” However, instead of singing “Lord God Almighty” he would sing, “Lord God on my team.” Although my son’s words were not accurate, his assessment of God was. Our God is mighty to save!
So when you feel that people are out to get you, be assured that the Lord God is on your team. Remember that one plus God equals a majority.
Respond
Almighty God, thank you for your provision and protection. When it seems that everyone’s out to get me, thank you that I can run to you. In a world filled with bullies, you are my Defender. I know you are indeed, mighty to save, Lord God on my team! Amen
Lisa Elliott
Lisa Elliott is a popular inspirational speaker and award-winning author of The Ben Ripple; Choosing to Live through Loss with Purpose and Dancing in the Rain. Born and raised in Toronto, ON, Lisa is a graduate of Ontario Bible College (Tyndale). She is a pastor’s wife of over 25 years and mother of four children (3 on earth, 1 in heaven). She has written for Just Between Us Magazine and writes a column for Word Alive Press’s website entitled, Straight from the Heart. Lisa’s passion is to share the life changing truths and principles from God’s Word straight from the heart. She and her husband, David are presently serving the Lord in London, Ontario.