Frustrate Them

“Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; for I see violence and strife in the city….Let death steal over them; let them go down to Sheol alive; for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart.” Psalm 55:9, 15

March 7, 2024

The psalms help us put our suffering into words. In doing so we will start down the path God has laid out for us. There are times when our pain is the result of those who have been cruel to us. David has unburdened himself of his inner feelings. At this point in his prayer he sets his theological sights on those who have done evil against him. Living in the midst of bad people (violence, abuse, lies) should not be ignored. We ought to long for God’s justice. Treachery against David, God’s leader, called for prayer by channeling his anger to God. Do you pray that God will rout evildoers? Ask the Lord to give them a drubbing, to turn them against one another, to frustrate their sinful schemes. This is called imprecatory praying, which is “to call down judgment upon.” This is one way to handle our grief over bad people who do harm to others, unjust tyrants, situations of injustice. This can help keep our anger against sin from turning into sinful anger and bitterness. Has someone hurt you deeply? Talk to God about it. Examine your own heart to confess any sin clinging to your offense.
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“Lord, keep me from going soft on your enemies. Give me wisdom in responding to evil in this world.”