I call on the Lord in my distress and He answers me.
Have you ever been the victim of gossip? This psalmist was and even of slander. His enemies were telling lies about him. They hated him and were making his life miserable. He was living in a foreign country that was always at war and since he tells us that he loved peace we can probably assume that he was hated because of his attempt to bring peace to the area. Here he was trying to do something good and the people turned on him.
Have you ever been in a situation like that? I'm sure you probably have. I once heard someone say "no good deed goes unpunished" and that was certainly the case for the psalmist here. But does that mean that we should never try to broker peace in a hostile environment or never do a good deed? Of course not. We are told in Matthew 5:9 "blessed are the peacemakers." So we should still do what we know is right.
Even though the psalmist was greatly distressed by the actions of others, he hung on to God. He never doubted that God heard his prayers and would act on his behalf. He had great faith that God was by his side and would avenge him. When we read Romans chapter 12 it gives us great instruction on how God expects us to act as Christians. It may feel like the accusers are getting away with their treatment of us but in verse 19 of this chapter it tells us not to seek revenge because God will repay them for what they have done to us. God has our back.
We will all, at one time or another, be the victim of gossip or slander but how we handle it shows our true character. We can rest assured that God sees it and will take care of it. When we live our lives for Him and follow after Him, we can know that all things will work out for our good. (Romans 8:28). We just need to trust Him.
We have a loving Father who cares for us. Every trial or situation that comes our way must first pass through Him and if He is allowing it, we must understand that He is able to carry us through it and give us the strength we need. The psalmist trusted the Lord and knew that God would take good care of him, as He will us. We are His well loved children. He will not bring harm to us. So smile at your enemies because you know something they don't: God is on your side!
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord.
On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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