How do you respond to slander?
Perceive: In this psalm, David is addressing his concerns regarding Cush a Benjamite. Some scholars think this may be another name for Doeg, another adversarial Benjamite, or of King Saul, or a man named Cush who also gave Saul a treasonous report on David’s loyalty. These men were slanderous to David and involved in hunting him during his outlaw days. In response, David gives a loud cry which he sang during this time of persecution. The psalm is divided up into four sections: a plea for refuge and deliverance (1-5), a plea for vindication and judgment (6-11), assurance that the wicked will bring disaster upon themselves (12-16) and ends with a prayer of thanksgiving and praise (17). No matter what circumstance David faces, he knows God is a righteous judge.
Practice: In most situations where evil is allowed to run its course, evil eventually destroys evil. Violent and wicked men eventually reap what they sow and become victims themselves. Unfortunately, in the process, innocent people are wounded or killed. Sometimes God intervenes but at other times He does not. Only God knows why. It is in our perilous times we must seek His refuge and protection leaving room for His wrath and vengeance. In the end, God will execute final judgment even if it is not during our lifetime.
Pray: Lord, I know when people speak ill of me I am to look up not across or down. Help me to see Your hand in all my circumstances.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: In most situations where evil is allowed to run its course, evil eventually destroys evil. Violent and wicked men eventually reap what they sow and become victims themselves. Unfortunately, in the process, innocent people are wounded or killed. Sometimes God intervenes but at other times He does not. Only God knows why. It is in our perilous times we must seek His refuge and protection leaving room for His wrath and vengeance. In the end, God will execute final judgment even if it is not during our lifetime.
Pray: Lord, I know when people speak ill of me I am to look up not across or down. Help me to see Your hand in all my circumstances.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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