As I write this we in the USA are in a political season. When aren’t we?! And it is sad the depths of character assassination the candidates
often descend to in order to elevate themselves. Not all, by any means. But quote often. And since we are still waiting for the first primary,
it’s candidates from one party vilifying others from the same party. That is perhaps one of life’s situations that
fit this Psalm. It is the turning against of one’s former
companion, seeking to publicly destroy one’s former associate. Yes, David experienced this. More critically, so did Jesus, our faithful
High Priest who was tested in all points like we are!
Let us lay out the flow of this contemplation (Heb. maskel, Strong called it a “teaching or didactic poem”, the 4th
such song in a row, one of 13 in all the Psalms) of David. Then let us each be encouraged to meditate on
it, allowing the Holy Spirit to both encourage
us in these kinds of trying times and reprove
us lest we be one who would bring such pain to the heart of those close to us. This is, in fact, a problem in families,
churches, the workplace and every area of life’s relationships.
·
The plea to be heart, v1-3. Think about the depth of David’s pain. Perhaps you can identify with this in some
relationship that has turned sour.
·
The pain in the heart, v4-8. Meditate here on the severity of David’s
pain. And note also the strong desire to
just escape, to run away from it all. Sound
familiar?
·
The problem with the enemy, v9-15. This passage begins and ends with what is
often referred to as “imprecatory” requests, asking God to render the enemy’s
effort ineffective (v9) and let them instead reap the result they seek for
others (v15). In between is the two-fold
problem. First they are bringing trouble
on the community (v10-11). Second, it
involves a former companion of David’s, one who is now deceitfully (v20-21)
betraying his friend. As we read this it
is critical that we not simply feel sorry for ourselves if we are in such a
situation; we must also ask the Spirit to show us if we are being such a person
in that relationship. Gossip and slander
are often seen to be justifiable actions when we are dealing with issues; but
in fact they are usually attacks on those we should be seeking out for restored
relationships.
·
The patient waiting upon God, v16-23. Verse 16 begins, “As for me.” We must always be open to God’s leading in
our lives to do the right thing, regardless of the actions of others. Note carefully what David commits himself to:
he will trust God! He will bring it to
God, cast it on the Lord (v22), and leave it with God! “Vengeance is Mine,” says the Lord; “I will
repay.”
Allow me to note one interesting use of a word
in this Psalm. In v3 David tells the
Lord that the wicked “bring down trouble upon me.” In v22 he affirms, “He (God) shall never
permit the righteous to be moved.” The
verbs (bring down and moved) are the same Hebrew word. God can be trusted. He is more than a match for those who seek to
make our lives difficult. They may try
to shake us up; but God will not allow it.
Our integrity is with Him; He will bring to light the truth about a
situation. Let us, with David, say: “I
will trust in You.”
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