“O God of my praise, do not be silent! For they have opened the wicked and deceitful mouth against me. They have spoken against me with a lying tongue. They have surrounded me with words of hatred and fought against me without cause. In return for my love they act as my accusers; but I am in prayer” (italics mine, Psalm 109:1-4).
I’ve been here, like David. Have you? Most of us will know a similar experience or listen to a friend unload a tale such as this. Life can be unfair and people selfish and cruel. I once took a work-related seminar where the speaker said, “Stop worrying if they are talking about you. They are!” Relationships are a mixed bag. It doesn’t matter if it’s women or men, gossip happens and undeserved attacks can be aimed your way.
David, God’s chosen successor to King Saul, was hounded and threatened by Saul for fifteen years after David was anointed. Saul was jealous and wanted his life. He saw David as competition and wanted to reserve all glory for himself. Is your workplace free from such people? Are our extended families? Even our churches? Too bad. Organizations are riddled with human beings who are capable of hurting others. How do we deal with it?
In prayer. We tell on them to God, and we don’t hold anything back. David often spoke of his very real adversaries, because the higher you get, the more there are. The gist of David’s prayers are like that of Psalm 109, “I’m being pounded without cause, so get ‘em!” David suggests God “appoint a wicked man over him…” (v. 6). I like that. In the following verses, David gets very specific about the affairs of his accuser’s personal life. He is asking for a reversal of fortune—for generations. It seems his accuser didn’t just single David out. It was a lifestyle, “Because he did not remember to show lovingkindness [loyal love], but persecuted the afflicted and needy…the despondent in heart, to put them to death” (v. 16).
David finally says when You save me according to Your lovingkindness, let them know it’s from You. “And let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe” (v. 29). David then promises to praise his Lord “in the midst of many” because He stands at the right hand of the needy (and wounded) “to save him from those who judge his soul” (v. 31).
That about covers it. David didn’t just fret or seek his own paybacks. He prayed—to mighty, compassionate, holy God. Have you been living with an oppressive relationship? Has someone, or even a group of someones, made life unbearable? Spend time on your knees, or your face, telling God how it feels and what you know of Him and His character. I’ve had to do this several times in both my professional and personal life. It works; God listens. Praying at the gut level, staying at it as long as necessary, will create that still place in the tempest of our souls.
On My Face Before You
Abba Father, you see all that is and will ever be. You care about everything that happens in our lives. Take care of us in the unfair, brutal times. According to Your will, give us Your power to keep walking in the right direction. Handle our adversaries, the liars, that victimize us and steal what’s ours—reputation, livelihood, relationships, and heart. Expose their ways and make them ashamed. Then show us how to praise you “in the midst of many.” Others are watching and wondering too. Amen.
Forever All My Days
God I look to You; I won’t be overwhelmed.
Give me vision to see things like You do.
God I look to You; You’re where my help comes from.
Give me wisdom; You know just what to do.
I will love You Lord, my Strength,
I will love You Lord, my Shield,
I will love You Lord, my Rock,
Forever, all my days, I will love You God.
Hallelujah, our God reigns
Hallelujah, our God reigns
Hallelujah, our God reigns,
Forever, all my days, Hallelujah.
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