Psalm 109: When Others Wish Evil Upon You

David wrote a lot of psalms.  It is clear, from many of them, that he experienced more than his share of "enemies."

Do you have enemies?  Do you have people that wish you ill and hope for evil to overcome you?  Whether we have people who actively hate us or just passively dislike us, there seems to be no shortage of friction among human beings.  Whether through no fault of your own - or whether through your fault - it is likely that you will find yourself facing down an enemy during at least some point or some season of your life.  David gives us an example of what that is like and how best to respond.

What is it like?  Consider the harm that David's malicious enemies wish to see come to him.  They want him put on trial and found guilty (vs. 6-7).  They want his life ended and his family left without him (vs. 8-9).  They want his loved ones to suffer without him and his legacy to be trashed (vs. 10-15).  They bitterly accuse him of many evils, wanting them revisited upon his own head: "He loved to curse; let curses come on him.  He did not like blessing; may it be far from him" (vs. 17).  There is no mercy or compassion in the biting words of David's enemies.

How should we respond if we are ever in a situation like that?  Consider what David did.  David put it in the Lord's hands.  Ultimately, I think that is the best option open to us, too.  Certainly trying to take matters into our own hands is just a recipe for disaster.  No, David chose the wise path and looked to the Lord.  After listing all the evil that his enemies wanted to do to him, David simply said, "May that be the reward of my accusers from the Lord, of those who speak evil against my life" (vs. 20).  Twice he directly appeals to God for protection and deliverance.  "But you, O Lord my Lord, act on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me" (vs. 21).  And again, "Help me, O Lord my God!  Save me according to your steadfast love" (vs. 26).

The psalm ends with David's assurance that the Lord has heard his plea and will rouse Himself to defend His servant.  Throughout his life, David has learned that God is on the side of the oppressed!