How often has our good been repaid with evil? How painful was it to discover those who we called friends are found delighting in our fall? How discouraging was it to see those who hates us circling over us like buzzards as they hope and wait for us perish in the heat of trial? In this Psalm, David appeals to God for justice against such treachery. He is grieved that no mercy has been shown him by such who inflict him at a low point in his life. As it was always David’s way, he sought God for aid. He lays forth the charges of those who have unjustly caused him suffering:
- His enemies gloated over him (with malice in their hearts) that they are looking forward to his death.
- His enemies were bold enough to come visit him while he was ill, speaking words of comfort, all the while their hearts were like a cistern for evil intent waiting to pour it out on him, thus, “And when one comes to see me he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity” (v6).
- His enemies would gossip behind closed doors in groups about the news of his misfortune. They fantasized about his end, thus David continues his accusations, “They say, ‘A deadly thing is poured out on him; he will not rise again from where he lies” (v8).
- Those he considered in his most inner circle showed their true colors when he was in distress, “Even my close friends in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me” (v9, cf., Jn 13:18).
How often have we experienced seasons such as this? The wounds of those who hates us and the betrayal of “so-called” friends can be too much to bear. In our lowest moments, it is grievous to look for grace and mercy in our dire time of need from people around us, only to find none. This is why we must do was David did in his darkest moments. He turned to God. He prays, “But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them” (v10). Why was David confident he could always approach God for his needs regardless of “why” he was suffering……….whether due to harvest of consequence or a season of testing for spiritual growth? Let us examine the following reasons:
- He was confident that God demonstrates unflinching regard for the needy. David declares, “Blessed is the one who consider the poor!” (v1). Though hard to accept, the following can be true: Sometimes the best thing that can happen to us is for people to forsake us……for us to have no one else to turn to…..but God. Often we want to see God visibly strong in our lives. Here is the thing, in order for us to see this manifestation, weakness must be allowed to expose our need before God. Remember God’s words to Paul in his chronic suffering, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). David even affirms, “In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; (2) The Lord protects him and keeps him alive;” (v1-2). Notice, he does not say, “in day of human strength.”
- He was confident that God preserves his people even through illnesses (v3).
- He was confident of God promise to never forsake his people (v11). There are times it seems that God is not with us when we expect him to be. We are assured by scripture that he gives us strength in our waiting……that is is when we are still before him in faith (cf. Isa 40:31).
It is these divine confidences by which trust is built upon. It is this hope in God that sustains us, while we wait for Him to answer. We can trust his will as his word promises. This is what David exercised many times in his life regardless of whether he was in the valley of affliction or on the mountain top of victory. He trusted not in his own heart (nor human reasoning). He depended not on his own understanding. Instead, he recognized God’s power and promises as true. His faith was rewarded by God who placed his feet on firm solid ground and preserved his path in righteousness. For this, David praised God, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.”
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com