Go to God
Opening Prayer
Sit quietly now and thank God for the way he has blessed you this week.
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
Why is the psalmist calling on the Lord here?Like Job, the psalmist is being wrongly accused (20). His enemies are spreading malicious slander about him (15,16) and bringing false witnesses to testify against him (11,21). Yet these enemies are those whom the psalmist has befriended and prayed for (13). No wonder he feels hurt and angry! However, he always trusts God, confident that he will deal with these enemies (8,9) because he knows that God always has at heart the wellbeing of those who weep (10).
It is not easy for us when those we thought were our friends turn against us. We may feel hurt and angry, too. It is easy to strike back at them with spiteful words and actions, but we should take our complaints, our hurt and anger to God, as the psalmist does, and leave the whole situation with him. Our heartache and pain, whether physical, mental or emotional, may seem unfair, but this is part of what we cannot understand about the mystery of God (see Job 42:3). Whoever we are, God has our welfare at heart (27) and is “full of tenderness and mercy” (Jas. 5:11c). Knowing this, we can praise him “all day long” (28).
Apply
If you are facing any situation like the psalmist, bring it to God now. Trust him with your wellbeing and praise him.
Closing prayer
Pray for those who’ve turned against you, either recently or in the past. Ask that God will bless them, and bring you reconciliation.
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