Bully Boys
Opening Prayer
Ask God today for patience and love for anyone who is opposing or frustrating you in some way.
Read Psalm 35:1-28
[1]Of David. Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. [2] Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. [3] Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your salvation.” [4] May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. [5] May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; [6] may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. [7] Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, [8] may ruin overtake them by surprise- may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. [9] Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation. [10] My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, LORD? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.” [11] Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. [12] They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. [13] Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, [14] I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. [15] But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. [16] Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. [17] How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. [18] I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you. [19] Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. [20] They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. [21] They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it.” [22] LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. [23] Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. [24] Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me. [25] Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” [26] May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. [27] May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” [28] My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What seems to greatly frustrate or confuse David here (17)?This is a man who is bullied and humiliated by a group of people he refers to as “my enemies” (19). They have spread lies about the psalmist (15,20); they openly make fun of him (16); and they try to trip him up, both literally (7) and verbally (11). They hate and despise him. The psalmist appeals to God for help. Not unnaturally, he wants these men to suffer what he has suffered, partly to vindicate himself but, also, so that all who see their downfall will praise God (26,27). Bullying is sadly widespread today. In the playground, schools, colleges, work places and even in the church there are those who want to dominate others, to make them feel small, to disparage them in the public eye, especially on social networking sites. Bullies have to be faced up to or dealt with by a person in authority over them. If you are being bullied, or know someone who is, then help should be sought for everyone’s sake. Let your emotions pour out to God as you ask his help. His arms are big enough to surround everybody.
Apply
Pray God’s help for all those who are being bullied in any way, especially children and others you may know.
Closing prayer
Mighty Lord, I know You are strong enough to deliver all those being harassed or bullied. Be their deliverer today.
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