Praying for revenge

 Psalm 109:1–31 (ESV): 

Be not silent, O God of my praise! 

 2  For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, 

speaking against me with lying tongues. 

 3  They encircle me with words of hate, 

and attack me without cause. 

 4  In return for my love they accuse me, 

but I give myself to prayer. 

 5  So they reward me evil for good, 

and hatred for my love. 

 6  Appoint a wicked man against him; 

let an accuser stand at his right hand. 

 7  When he is tried, let him come forth guilty; 

let his prayer be counted as sin! 

 8  May his days be few; 

may another take his office! 

 9  May his children be fatherless 

and his wife a widow! 

 10  May his children wander about and beg, 

seeking food far from the ruins they inhabit! 

 11  May the creditor seize all that he has; 

may strangers plunder the fruits of his toil! 

 12  Let there be none to extend kindness to him, 

nor any to pity his fatherless children! 

 13  May his posterity be cut off; 

may his name be blotted out in the second generation! 

 14  May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the Lord, 

and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out! 

 15  Let them be before the Lord continually, 

that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth! 

 16  For he did not remember to show kindness, 

but pursued the poor and needy 

and the brokenhearted, to put them to death. 

 17  He loved to curse; let curses come upon him! 

He did not delight in blessing; may it be far from him! 

 18  He clothed himself with cursing as his coat; 

may it soak into his body like water, 

like oil into his bones! 

 19  May it be like a garment that he wraps around him, 

like a belt that he puts on every day! 

 20  May this be the reward of my accusers from the Lord, 

of those who speak evil against my life! 

 21  But you, O God my Lord, 

deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; 

because your steadfast love is good, deliver me! 

 22  For I am poor and needy, 

and my heart is stricken within me. 

 23  I am gone like a shadow at evening; 

I am shaken off like a locust. 

 24  My knees are weak through fasting; 

my body has become gaunt, with no fat. 

 25  I am an object of scorn to my accusers; 

when they see me, they wag their heads. 

 26  Help me, O Lord my God! 

Save me according to your steadfast love! 

 27  Let them know that this is your hand; 

you, O Lord, have done it! 

 28  Let them curse, but you will bless! 

They arise and are put to shame, but your servant will be glad! 

 29  May my accusers be clothed with dishonour; 

may they be wrapped in their own shame as in a cloak! 

 30  With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord; 

I will praise him in the midst of the throng. 

 31  For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, 

to save him from those who condemn his soul to death. 

As you read this psalm, you see that David does not hold back. He tells God exactly what he thinks should happen to those who are ‘wicked and deceitful’! He wants them to; be accused and found guilty, lose their job and influence, others to benefit from his work but not him, even that they should die and their children become poor, for generational sin to be counted against them, and for their name to be obliterated from memory! You can easily hear the anger and frustration of David as he lets God know exactly what he thinks of these people and their spiteful actions! Yet David did not act, for if he took vengeance, this would be what it looked like, and he might not know where to stop. At what point would he be then acting in a similar vane to how these people had treated him? So instead of making his own plans for retribution, David approaches God. He did not take revenge or try to argue with those speaking against him. Instead, he did the harder thing of showing great restraint and leaving it in God's hands. 

You too can bring all your fears, frustrations and emotions to God. David determined that the best revenge he could get, and the best output for these destructive thoughts and emotions was to ‘give myself to prayer’. This is the most powerful thing you can do when you feel beaten down, unfairly accused or treated, give yourself to prayer. Don't hold anything back in outpouring to God, David doesn't and you don't need to either - look at what he says! Many of us would be afraid to speak such harshness over anyone, even those who have become enemies. Yet expressing this to God (not to others) is a safe outlet for He alone knows your heart and your pain. He alone knows how best to deal with you and the others involved, so you can trust Him to do what is needed and appropriate. David was wise in this, He went to the only One who will not just react emotionally, but to the One who sees the long view. David knew that God cares for him, is just, powerful and righteous. Therefore He is the best person to deal with injustice, oppression and harm. David trusts that God will do something about this person/people, ‘because your steadfast love is good’. God loves and supports His people. Plus He probably already has a solution and plan worked out, so why get in the way of God sorting the situation out?

David held back his response, choosing to give himself in prayer instead of giving himself to revenge. Is this your response? 

David knew that God can respond in the right way and shut the mouths of his accusers one way or another. If David did it, he might cause more of a mess, so instead he entrusts the outcome to God. David is so convinced of God’s love and response that he ends this petition with praise. Once David has got all then anger and angst of his chest and given it all over to God, he praises Him. God hasn't even responded yet David worships! What a way to end an outpouring of wrath and frustration! To remember who you are talking to, and remember to be grateful for who God is, and the fact that He listens and loves you. Once you have handed over your situation and the people to God in prayer, you too can rejoice that God is going to act in response to the prayer of His beloved child. The outcome may not be imminent, and it may not be what you expect, but you can be assured that God will deal with whatever you bring to Him.

Is your love steadfast?

Psalm 57:1–11 (ESV):  

1  Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, 

for in you my soul takes refuge; 

in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, 

till the storms of destruction pass by. 

2  I cry out to God Most High, 

to God who fulfils his purpose for me. 

3  He will send from heaven and save me; 

he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah 

God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! 

4  My soul is in the midst of lions; 

I lie down amid fiery beasts— 

the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, 

whose tongues are sharp swords. 

5  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! 

Let your glory be over all the earth! 

6  They set a net for my steps; 

my soul was bowed down. 

They dug a pit in my way, 

but they have fallen into it themselves. Selah 

7  My heart is steadfast, O God, 

my heart is steadfast! 

I will sing and make melody! 

8  Awake, my glory! 

Awake, O harp and lyre! 

I will awake the dawn! 

9  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; 

I will sing praises to you among the nations. 

10  For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, 

your faithfulness to the clouds. 

11  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! 

Let your glory be over all the earth! 

This passionate psalm overflows with worship and appreciation of who God is even though David is pursued and in hiding. David focuses on how great God is, ‘above the heavens’ and ‘over all the earth’ as he realises that the present situation is no reflection of the character, power or kindness of God. God remains glorious, worthy and steadfast so David chooses to dwell on these facts rather than the fear and pain that he feels. David sets his mind to consider God because He is greater than the heavens and the Earth, and so is definitely greater and more trustworthy than the dangerous position he is in and his own emotions. 

Even when you feel like you’re ‘in the midst of lions’, you can praise God. Even in darkness and despair, God is there and is still a merciful refuge. David knew this - he chose to see beyond the cave and trouble that he was in to the refuge and glory of God. He set his mind to focus on the One who was keeping him safe and whose, ‘steadfast love is great to the heavens….faithfulness to the clouds’. 

David never dwells on the negativity. He has some awful experiences, as well as some great ones and his writings display the emotions he feels. He doesn’t deny that he feels; pain, fear, disappointment, joy, love, hurt or grief yet David does not let these emotions direct him or influence him other than by being felt. David accepts and acknowledges his reactions to whatever is happening and brings them to God. Then he considers God. You see, the situation and your emotions should not be the overriding factors in your life. God should be. Therefore David expresses how he feels and then moves onto what is more reliable and true - He reminds himself of God’s steadfast love and that He is; good, loving, powerful, steadfast, strong, purposeful, caring and full of mercy. 

The truth of God never changes. David is certain that he can trust in Him even in the terrible trials of life. In this psalm, David is enduring a life-threatening situation, but you wouldn’t guess it from the way it is written would you? David is full of praise for the ‘God most High’ saying, ‘I will give thanks to you’, ‘For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds’. David has put both the trial and God in their rightful places - God being far higher and more important than the problems he is facing. The focus for David is to continue to honour and worship God. He does not deny the pain and suffering that he is going through, but he does submit it to his knowledge of who God is.

So, how do you respond when you're in trouble, afraid or persecuted?

What do you focus on when life is difficult? 

What do you think about God when you are in pain and suffering? 

Do you allow the truth of God to inspire you and overwhelm you rather than your own fears and emotions?

Do you remember to extol and worship God? 

Even when life gets tough David does not stop worshipping or praying. In fact he makes sure that he is still doing these things. David does not turn his back on God or walk away, he goes towards God, talks to Him and honours Him even in the difficult times. David knows that God’s power, influence, greatness and love are worth being grateful for no matter what else is going on. God is worthy of praise whether today and tomorrow are good days or not. God is still steadfast in His love for you whether you experience it or not. God is still majestic, powerful and in control even when you are not. God never changes even when situations do. Therefore you can depend upon Him and praise Him in the cave as well as at the party. God is always above all things and He will always have His way, and His love will always be steadfast. Is yours?

Where do you go with your internal battles?

 Psalm 55:1–23 (ESV):  

1  Give ear to my prayer, O God, 

and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! 

2  Attend to me, and answer me; 

I am restless in my complaint and I moan, 

3  because of the noise of the enemy, 

because of the oppression of the wicked. 

For they drop trouble upon me, 

and in anger they bear a grudge against me. 

4  My heart is in anguish within me; 

the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 

5  Fear and trembling come upon me, 

and horror overwhelms me. 

6  And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! 

I would fly away and be at rest; 

7  yes, I would wander far away; 

I would lodge in the wilderness; Selah 

8  I would hurry to find a shelter 

from the raging wind and tempest.” 

9  Destroy, O Lord, divide their tongues; 

for I see violence and strife in the city. 

10  Day and night they go around it 

on its walls, 

and iniquity and trouble are within it; 

11  ruin is in its midst; 

oppression and fraud 

do not depart from its marketplace. 

12  For it is not an enemy who taunts me— 

then I could bear it; 

it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— 

then I could hide from him. 

13  But it is you, a man, my equal, 

my companion, my familiar friend. 

14  We used to take sweet counsel together; 

within God’s house we walked in the throng. 

15  Let death steal over them; 

let them go down to Sheol alive; 

for evil is in their dwelling place and in their heart. 

16  But I call to God, 

and the Lord will save me. 

17  Evening and morning and at noon 

I utter my complaint and moan, 

and he hears my voice. 

18  He redeems my soul in safety 

from the battle that I wage, 

for many are arrayed against me. 

19  God will give ear and humble them, 

he who is enthroned from of old, Selah 

because they do not change 

and do not fear God. 

20  My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; 

he violated his covenant. 

21  His speech was smooth as butter, 

yet war was in his heart; 

his words were softer than oil, 

yet they were drawn swords. 

22  Cast your burden on the Lord, 

and he will sustain you; 

he will never permit 

the righteous to be moved. 

23  But you, O God, will cast them down 

into the pit of destruction; 

men of blood and treachery 

shall not live out half their days. 

But I will trust in you. 

David has not only experienced physical battles, but also the inner turmoil of the soul. This psalm explains a situation where he was emotionally and mentally strained by the betrayal of, ‘my equal, my companion, my familiar friend’. David was battling with the pain and despair of a broken relationship and the disappointment, chaos, life change and mental strife that this caused. Have you ever experienced such heartache and mental anguish? 

Most of us have. The thing is, this battle that we face is not usually obvious because it’s predominantly internal. Our emotions and mind replay events, conversations and memories, and these can lead to; confusion, anger and sadness all raging inside. It is a furious internal war, yet not many others would be aware of it. In a physical war it is obvious - you see the damage and physical discomfort, but an internal battle is often hidden even though there is also extensive damage and pain. The internal battles that we face are tougher and more wearing than any external ones and we cannot escape them. 

David says, ‘I am restless in my complaint and I moan, 3  because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked.’ He hears the sound of the disappointment, the grief and pain, the ‘noise of the enemy’ clanging around inside him as the memories and recent events replay. The noise of the internal processing of the betrayal and the personal turmoil that has been caused is louder than any trumpet blast or roar of a crowd. David doesn’t deny it or downplay it, instead he admits the difficulty he is having trying to get his head round what has happened. You don’t have to try to explain, minimise or hide from the internal anguish you suffer either. The internal battles are difficult as they are often unknown to others and rage constantly, day and night, with no rest. David was experiencing this as he wrote Psalm 55. He accepts that he is; restless, oppressed, in trouble, feeling terrified and in anguish. If you feel that way today, or have ever felt like that, know that it is ok. It is alright to feel disappointed, hurt, afraid at times, restless and concerned, and it is ok to admit it too. Even as a person of God, even as a friend, parent, manager or colleague, it is ok. It is usual for people to suffer with their thoughts, you are not alone. David was troubled with a hurt heart and mental anguish and he was a loved and respected king, father, husband and a faithful man of God. Yet here we are thousands of years later reading about and relating to his internal pain. He was not ashamed to admit how frustrated, disappointed and upset he was about things. He was open and honest about it. He told God exactly what was going on for him, how he felt, how troubled he was, and that he expected God to do something about it! 

You see, although David knew he was suffering, he did not choose to dwell in the despair and disappointment. He did not want to stay feeling like this, and he knew where his help and comfort would come from. He had a strong, personal relationship with Almighty God, so he told God about what was going on in his life. He let God know how he felt, even the worst bits such as wishing his enemy dead and wanting to permanently escape (v7 and 15). David was not ashamed to be really honest about his emotions, even admitting when he was in deep despair and inner turmoil. Are you that honest? With yourself and with God?

I cannot imagine that this psalm was spoken clearly and calmly, can you? I imagine it to have been a passionate outpouring of tears, anger and sobs, releasing some of the hurt and disappointment as the words spilled out. David was overwhelmed, hurt and disappointed as he goes to the God - the One he can trust with it all, and the One that can help, strengthen and comfort. David admits he wants to escape this torment, yet he knows that even going to a different place will not change the internal discomfort. For it is his heart that ‘is in anguish’ and no matter where he goes he cannot escape his own heart or memories, so he knows he has to deal with it. Therefore, David’s response is to ‘call to God’. No-one else can help him, restore his soul, bind up his broken heart or breakthrough this trouble. So he goes to the One he knows can influence any and every heart and situation for, ‘the Lord will save me’. David knows that although he feels overcome and like he wants to get away from it all, God, ‘redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage’. Both the physical and internal battles God can help with. He is the one who can inspire, strengthen and give your soul refuge (v1). He is the one that can bring you; relief, provision, strength and redemption. Are you allowing God to it? 

Do you go to God with your struggles? Are you really real about how you are doing when you speak to Him?

When you feel overwhelmed and overcome by circumstances and experience internal strife, you can, ‘cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you’. Yet God can only help you as much as you let Him. David wanted God’s help in every area of his life, even the messy bits. Are you allowing God to see and have influence in every area of your life? Will you allow Him to see and heal the internal anguish? God will hear and help you if you go to Him, then like David you too will be able to say, ‘in you my soul takes refuge’.

Dealing with hypocrisy

 Psalm 41:1–13 (ESV):  

1 Blessed is the one who considers the poor! 

In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 

2  the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; 

he is called blessed in the land; 

you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 

3  The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; 

in his illness you restore him to full health. 

4  As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; 

heal me, for I have sinned against you!” 

5  My enemies say of me in malice, 

“When will he die, and his name perish?” 

6  And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, 

while his heart gathers iniquity; 

when he goes out, he tells it abroad. 

7  All who hate me whisper together about me; 

they imagine the worst for me. 

8  They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him; 

he will not rise again from where he lies.” 

9  Even my close friend in whom I trusted, 

who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. 

10  But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, 

and raise me up, that I may repay them! 

11  By this I know that you delight in me: 

my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. 

12  But you have upheld me because of my integrity, 

and set me in your presence forever. 

13  Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, 

from everlasting to everlasting! 

Amen and Amen. 

In these verses we see how David starts generically talking about how God blesses, ‘the one who considers the poor’. He then applies this to his life and realises that considering those that have less or are weaker than yourself somehow leads to God’s blessing. Showing mercy, being courteous, kind and demonstrating compassion to those who need it means that in some way you earn God’s favour. If you do it with the right motives of course, as God sees the heart and intention of your actions. 

David then considers how this relates to his present position. He recognises that although he is very ill, yet, ‘The Lord sustains him’. Not only that, but he is aware that God is also; restoring him, has given him favour throughout his country, has not given up on him or given him over to his enemies. David acknowledges that despite the current pain and suffering, he is still blessed! God is still showing favour to him and David puts this down to the fact that he has shown kindness and compassion to those who are poor and needy, and has done his best to be a man of integrity living his life following God. David considers himself blessed even at this time when he is significantly ill and repentant. He is waiting for, yet assured of, the fact that God will restore him both physically and spiritually, because although he knows he is not perfect, he has lived his life doing his best to honour God and consider others. 

This season was not easy for David. Although he was assured of God’s blessing and mercy, he still had to endure the discomfort physically, spiritually and emotionally. It still hurt, he still suffered. David tells us that there are people that are visiting him that are awaiting his death and spreading news of his demise. Those that should have shown concern for his current illness are actually gathering to see if it will finish him off and then spreading rumours of his decline. Yet David knew that he was being healed and restored. Therefore there must have been signs of improvement but these people chose not to see it and certainly did not want it. These people, even close friends, went to see him pretending to have concern and compassion, but instead of trying to help or hope for his recovery they spread false rumours that, ‘he will not rise again’. These people weren’t just any visitors either for they have intimate access to the king. So they must have been trusted advisers, friends, courtiers, influential people in David’s realm. Not everyone would have access to the chambers of the king especially when he was weak, only significant people in the king's life would have the permission to see him. Yet these people abused their privilege and showed their real character through this time of David’s suffering. They revealed that they are not friends or trusted counsellors but enemies instead of caring for David and showing concern for his decline they revelled in it. What a heartbreaking situation to find yourself in. When those you care about, trust, love and have built life with, root for your destruction. Not only was David dealing with repentance, blessing and illness, he also had to deal with the emotional upheaval of changing relationships. They thought he would be able to do nothing about their altered attitudes as they waited expectantly for his death. Yet he knew their thoughts and actions and was given confidence that, ‘my enemy will not shout in triumph over me’. God must have shown David that his recovery was coming as he knew he was not as unwell as others desired. He was certain that God was upholding him because of his integrity, due to his behaviour towards God and others so he was assured that this season would result in full health and restoration and the blessing of God.

Times of trouble can reveal who is really for you and who is not. David began to recognise that some people were hypocritical and had transformed themselves from close counsellors into enemies. Yet he did not do anything about it whilst he was unwell. He waited. He did not throw them out or prevent them from coming to see him. Maybe he was waiting to gather further evidence to see if his concerns were validated. He did not react out of fear or anger, but knew that God would deal with them and that he would have an opportunity to, ‘repay them’. He had a God-given assurance that in good time, all would be made right. Even though experiencing hypocrisy is infuriating, it does not always need calling out and confronting straight away. Allow yourself time to consider the circumstances, the person and talk to God about it like David did. It will be frustrating, feel powerless and painful, but God will show you how to deal with such people. Their comeuppance is coming, you need to ensure that you continue to live with integrity and maintain your own good conduct and character. David was determined to do this - to maintain his right standing before God, to not respond until he was fully recovered and to allow God to influence how to deal with these deceitful people. So if you find yourself having to deal with a similar situation, do not rush to react or let your emotions get out of hand. Instead trust that God will reveal truth and restore you. He will not allow the enemies of His dedicated followers prevail. He didn’t allow that for David, and He won’t allow that for you. So, keep; praying, waiting and trusting that God sees and knows all. He will sustain and restore you too. So, when you suffer, when you have times of trial, when people disappoint and come against you - keep mindful about what God is doing, who He is and what you can expect of Him. Consider your relationship with Him and your behaviour towards others. David was confident that he would be restored and his name and integrity upheld. God will do the same for you as you continue to walk with Him, lead a life of integrity and care for the poor. Ensure that you live a life that allows you with full confidence to say along with David that God has, 'upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

End the pain of sin

 Psalm 32:1–11 (ESV):  

1  Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 

2  Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, 

and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 

3  For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away 

through my groaning all day long. 

4  For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; 

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 

5  I acknowledged my sin to you, 

and I did not cover my iniquity; 

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” 

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah 

6  Therefore let everyone who is godly 

offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; 

surely in the rush of great waters, 

they shall not reach him. 

7  You are a hiding place for me; 

you preserve me from trouble; 

you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah 

8  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; 

I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 

9  Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, 

which must be curbed with bit and bridle, 

or it will not stay near you. 

10  Many are the sorrows of the wicked, 

but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 

11  Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, 

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! 

This psalm is a lesson not to hold onto guilt and sin. Instead of wrestling with the internal conflict, you can acknowledge your sin to God and be forgiven. It may seem a scary thing to do, but surely it is better than ‘groaning all day long’ and wasting away. 

David uses three words for wrongdoing in this psalm, showing that in whatever way you can get it wrong, he did it all! He had rebelled against God (transgression), he had gone away from the way of life he knew he should be on, he had not met the standard God required (sin) and had acted in a corrupt, twisted manner (iniquity). David’s confession was difficult because he had to realise the enormity of his actions. He had to acknowledge that he had fallen short of living a life that was acceptable to God, he had also wantonly turned away from what he knew was right in order to become corrupt through his decisions and actions. This shows the completeness of David’s wrongs. No wonder it was hard for him to accept let alone admit! It is no surprise that it took him a while to come to terms with it himself and then approach God with it. It can be the same for you can’t it? When you completely mess up, let yourself, others and God down, causing chaos, pain and corruption through your choices, it is hard to admit isn’t it? It is much easier and pleasant to try to justify yourself and make excuses for why you behaved that way, yet that does not deal with the internal distress that you experience, it does not lead to forgiveness or relief. It just leads to internal anguish and even physical suffering. Have you had enough of these results of your sin?

At this point in his life, David had become fed up with the internal anguish he felt about his wrongdoings. He had had enough of moping about and the incessant guilt that played around in his head. Have you ever felt the same? Where guilt dances around your mind and you feel ashamed and surrounded by accusation and pain when you have sinned? It is quite normal to feel that conviction and personal disappointment. Many others, including David have felt like that. He realised that even though admitting his sin felt like an enormous thing to do, that there would be no relief if he didn't. He knew he had done wrong in God's eyes and therefore if he wanted to make things right he had to be honest with God about it. It always feels awkward when you have to apologise doesn't it? Yet you know the relationship will benefit, but it is uncomfortable to acknowledge out loud what has happened and try to make amends. However, just like David in this psalm we can see that the faint glimmer of the hope of forgiveness and restoration is better than the internal and physical shame you bear. 

David was suffering physically as well as emotionally and mentally for whatever it was he had done. He knew the sin had separated him from God, and this was causing him anguish. Even though he knew he had to go through the emotional upheaval of confession, he hoped through admitting it and apologising, that God would hear and forgive. It is difficult to hear your sin out loud, to confess what you have done wrong. There’s an embarrassment, either because you know you should have done better or because you are ashamed to admit the truth of what you have done. It clearly took David a while to come to the point where he could even express what he had done wrong to God as he admits that, 'my strength was dried up' by the time he did so. David endured the discomfort of unforgiveness, guilt, shame and pain for some time before he had enough of it, before the pain outweighed the embarrassment.  Sometimes you too bear the shame for a long time because you try to hide or discount your wrongs due to fear or embarrassment. Yet you cannot escape your mind. You may not want to admit it, but you know that something you have said or done, or the motive in which you did something was wrong. This develops to cause internal discomfort and can lead to physical illness - David explains this well in this psalm. We know that David suffered for a while with being unforgiven as his, ‘bones wasted away’ and he had no strength left. That doesn’t happen overnight, he carried the guilt shame and internal anguish around with him for a while and it affected his body and mind. This can happen to you too when you fail to confess and repent of your wrongs. Sadly, sometimes people need to feel the guilt and shame and the detrimental effect this can have on body and mind before they’re able to approach God and know the relief and comfort of His forgiveness and restoration. David felt it. He eventually got to the point where he was more fed up with the pain of his error than fearful and ashamed of admitting it. 

Are you fed up with the pain and remorse of your iniquities? Do wish to receive forgiveness? If so, you can. You do not have to wait, you can know God’s forgiveness and restoration right now. You do not need to wait and suffer any more for what you’ve done wrong. David endured hardship and heartache before he came to God for forgiveness. His recommendation is that you can come to God any time, and sooner is better so that you do not suffer as much - you can experience forgiveness and relief right now!  David says, ‘I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity…..and you forgave the iniquity of my sin’. When you apologise to God, don't cover it up or leave anything out. If you want to know freedom and relief like David did be honest about what's gone wrong, how you're feeling about it and ask Him to forgive and restore you. God will do it.

God has dealt with any wrong you have done through His son Jesus. You do not need to suffer for it as Jesus already has, your suffering does not add to repentance. You can live free because Jesus took all the embarrassment, pain, shame, guilt and punishment upon himself as he died, so that you do not have to bear the weight of it. Are you accepting the forgiveness and freedom Jesus died for today? When you do you will know the relief, peace, joy and comfort of God’s forgiveness. Then you can, ‘Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!’

Is God's presence enough?

23 A Psalm of David. 

1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures. 

He leads me beside still waters. 

3  He restores my soul. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness 

for his name’s sake. 

4  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, 

for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, 

they comfort me. 

5  You prepare a table before me 

in the presence of my enemies; 

you anoint my head with oil; 

my cup overflows. 

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

all the days of my life, 

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord 

forever. 

This psalm has been very relevant for me personally over the past year. As a family we have been journeying through a great tragedy and when it first happened God gave me a picture. The picture was of me in a dark place. It was dark grey, a place where you couldn’t really see what was going on around you or where you were going, but I saw someone there, a distant figure and I knew it was Jesus. The picture reminded me of this psalm as the place in my mind looked to me like a dark valley. Many times over the past 12 months I have had this image and been reassured of God’s presence during the darkest times. 

I had suddenly found myself walking ‘through the valley of the shadow of death’, unsure of how I had got there and no idea how to get out. Yet in the midst of it God kindly showed me that He was present. He had not left me alone, and as long as I kept looking to Him, He would guide me through. I often recalled this picture and would say to God, “Thank you for being with me, I don’t yet feel your comfort, but I know it will come because you are with me”. This is a promise of this psalm and was the assurance God gave me as I had to endure this season. God did not say it was all going be ok, that it would soon be over, or that there was an escape from this turmoil, but His promise was of His presence and that was enough. Is God’s presence sufficient for you? No matter what storms, trials, adventures, triumphs or celebrations you are going through, are you assured of God's presence? This psalm shows how God is alongside you no matter what season of life you are in; a time of rest, one of provision, healing, suffering, death, direction, temptation, abundance or celebration. No matter your situation, God's 'goodness and mercy' are present. They will always be present because He is with you if you choose to live your life with Him.

Being someone that follows God doesn’t mean that your life life is easy. Read this psalm again if you need proof of that! God doesn't promise that He will sort out all of your problems and the issues of life, but He does assure you of His constant presence and His grace and mercy. Sometimes you will have to walk through valleys that you never expected, and at times you are bathing in the sunshine in fields that you never knew could hold such blessing. You experience both because life has twists and turns. You will make mistakes, you live around people that don’t always get it right and there is an enemy. So be prepared for valleys and darkness to come as well as fields, feasts and green pastures. You are not immune to experiencing trouble if you dedicate your life to following God. Yet you do have a mighty, powerful, loving Father that has always got your back. He will always be there with you in whatever you are experiencing. Sometimes you’ll get hurt, sometimes you’ll know relief, sometimes you’ll know comfort, rest and joy, but always you can know His presence.

If you contemplate the truth of God's never-ending presence and support in your life, then your hope, peace, comfort and confidence in every circumstance will grow. No matter what highs or lows you experience, whether you are in the depths of fear and pain or enjoying abundance and provision, God is there with you. He is always looking out over you, leading you, and helping you. His everlasting love is with you and as you learn to apply that truth, hope, peace and comfort will grow in your life.

What was Jesus experience at the cross?

Psalm 22 is a prophetic picture of who the Messiah was going to be and what he would experience and even think as he surrendered his life. It so clearly describes Jesus’ experience as he endured crucifixion, and explores his emotions and thoughts displaying his humanity and deity beautifully. The torn body and mind that still extols and honours God, yet is in considerable anguish, despair and pain. How did any writer know in such clarity the details of The Saviours death? How could anyone hundreds of years previously have been able to tell of the Messiah’s fate? No person of the time this was written had an experience that could even mildly equate to that expressed in this piece of writing. It can only be a God-inspired prophetic insight of Our Saviour. How incredible that God speaks in such detail to us about events, people and places not yet seen. When God speaks, it may seem strange or impossible, but it will come to pass, just as this psalm was fulfilled when Jesus died, read it and see for yourself;

Psalm 22:1–31 (ESV):  

1  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 

Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 

2  O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, 

and by night, but I find no rest. 

3  Yet you are holy, 

enthroned on the praises of Israel. 

4  In you our fathers trusted; 

they trusted, and you delivered them. 

5  To you they cried and were rescued; 

in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 

6  But I am a worm and not a man, 

scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 

7  All who see me mock me; 

they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 

8  “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; 

let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” 

9  Yet you are he who took me from the womb; 

you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. 

10  On you was I cast from my birth, 

and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 

11  Be not far from me, 

for trouble is near, 

and there is none to help. 

12  Many bulls encompass me; 

strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 

13  they open wide their mouths at me, 

like a ravening and roaring lion. 

14  I am poured out like water, 

and all my bones are out of joint; 

my heart is like wax; 

it is melted within my breast; 

15  my strength is dried up like a potsherd, 

and my tongue sticks to my jaws; 

you lay me in the dust of death. 

16  For dogs encompass me; 

a company of evildoers encircles me; 

they have pierced my hands and feet— 

17  I can count all my bones— 

they stare and gloat over me; 

18  they divide my garments among them, 

and for my clothing they cast lots. 

19  But you, O Lord, do not be far off! 

O you my help, come quickly to my aid! 

20  Deliver my soul from the sword, 

my precious life from the power of the dog! 

21  Save me from the mouth of the lion! 

You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! 

22  I will tell of your name to my brothers; 

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 

23  You who fear the Lord, praise him! 

All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, 

and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 

24  For he has not despised or abhorred 

the affliction of the afflicted, 

and he has not hidden his face from him, 

but has heard, when he cried to him. 

25  From you comes my praise in the great congregation; 

my vows I will perform before those who fear him. 

26  The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; 

those who seek him shall praise the Lord! 

May your hearts live forever! 

27  All the ends of the earth shall remember 

and turn to the Lord, 

and all the families of the nations 

shall worship before you. 

28  For kingship belongs to the Lord, 

and he rules over the nations. 

29  All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; 

before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, 

even the one who could not keep himself alive. 

30  Posterity shall serve him; 

it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 

31  they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, 

that he has done it. 

Wow! I don’t know about you, but as I have read and re-read this psalm, I am astounded. Firstly because of the detail of Jesus internal narrative written by someone who was never to meet him or see crucifixion. The preciseness of the revelation of Jesus’ experience in death and how people responded is so accurate, as well as the insight into Jesus’ humanity. What an incredible revelation this psalm was. I wonder how it was received at the time it was written. It probably seemed odd but inspired. It is only now, thousands of years later that we can appreciate that this was written by the Spirit through the hand of David. 

It is easy to imagine that these were the thoughts and prayers of Jesus as he encountered death. It is real and raw, a very human response. It relates to the manner of his death as well as Jesus internal thoughts as he hangs there. 

‘I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.’ Have you ever felt like that? Insignificant, overlooked, unappreciated, dismissed and derided? Jesus did. How can the Saviour of the World have felt so worthless and in such despair? It demonstrates clearly Jesus’ humanity. He really did suffer. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. He was abandoned and ridiculed by those he loved, he even felt the separation and distance of God. Jesus truly experienced humanity in its entirity including its pain and despair. As you read the psalm I am sure you can relate to some of these thoughts and prayers of our Saviour. If so, know you're not alone. When you; Question God, wonder why He doesn’t answer, cry, are ill at ease, struggle to sleep because of concerns/fears, know how God has been trustworthy in the past but struggle to see it right now, feel worthless, feel like everyone is against you, are mocked, feel distant from God, feel helpless, alone and abandoned, are intimidated and scared, have lost strength, are in pain, stripped of worth, desperate, understand that even though this is agony there is purpose in it you can know God Himself has been through the exact same thing. Did you realise that? I didn’t until I read and reflected on this. What great comfort and relief we can know because Jesus really has experienced our pain and sufferings! No-one need feel alone in their internal conflicts or concerns because Jesus has also known all of this and although he died, he still lives. 

You can be a good follower of God and still have these troubled thoughts and concerns as God’s very own son did! He can appreciate how you are feeling and so help you through it. Jesus acknowledged his emotions, thoughts and fears yet he still extolled God. He admitted the truth about how he felt and at the same time reminded himself the truth of His God. The emotions and thoughts of the mind, no matter how big, significant or encompassing they may be should not overshadow the enormity and prevalence of God in your life. After all - which is bigger; your thoughts and emotions, or God? Jesus, who experienced a death and punishment like no-one would ever want to go through, who suffered greatly even with the foreknowledge that he had to go through terrible torment, Jesus still did not dwell on the internal narrative, his emotions or physical pain. Instead, as we see from this psalm his thoughts and prayers transfer from considering his pain and plight to focussing on what God has previously done and who He is. Jesus speaks of God being; worthy of praise and of testifying about, supporter of the afflicted, one who hears, ruler of all, righteous, rescuer and king. When you have it tough, do not be afraid to admit it - even Jesus did. Then, once you have done that, remember who God is. It will begin to change the turmoil you feel, it will give you another focus and give you something greater to be living for. Consider Jesus - consider the reality of his humanity and deity and discover how you can get through those times by being given the new life he offers. 

Praying through the pain

Ever felt like the world is against you? That everything is going wrong, and no matter what you do there’s injustice, persecution, hardship and pain? Be assured, you are not alone. You are not the only one that has felt this way, and you won’t be the last. Many people from all walks of life, from ordinary men and women to great kings like David have felt peril, confusion, heartache and terror. Take a read of Psalm 3;

Psalm 3

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. 

1  O Lord, how many are my foes! 

Many are rising against me; 

2  many are saying of my soul, 

“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah 

3  But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 

4  I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah 

5  I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. 

6  I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. 

7  Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God! 

For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. 

8  Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah 

In this Psalm, David is suffering due to the actions of his own child. Anyone who has experienced the rebellion of a child, their wilful disobedience and purposeful destruction of relationship may understand something of what David is feeling as he writes this. Not only has his son rebelled, but he has gathered others to his side so that now there’s a sizeable, threatening army from which David needs to run and hide. Not because he has been a bad father or done anything wrong, but because of the sin, impatience and recklessness of his son. At times you too may suffer due to the sin of others and it can feel unfair, unjust and as if the whole world is against you. You can be threatened and chased down, not because of any error on your side, but because the world does not want men and women of faith to succeed and Satan is after you. It's a harsh truth, but it is the reality. 

If you are chasing after God, then do not be surprised if others are chasing after you - for your downfall and destruction. Yet do not despair, you are not alone and never will be. Psalms and Biblical teaching such as this can help you. Like David, you can pour out your emotions to God. Look at how David does it- he tells God how it really is; frustration, fear, pain, hurt, confusion - It is ok for you to do the same. To admit how hard your situation is and how terrified, worried and heartbroken you are. David does, so do many others in the Bible. I too have had many a rant to God about how hurt, upset, concerned, angry and disappointed I have been when I have felt threatened, persecuted, heartbroken and afraid. I have learnt to pray honestly to Father God by reading about how others in the Bible, like David, have prayed. I have implored God to intervene and turn things around, to help me, to sustain and guide me. You can too. It is ok to do that. Sometimes we need to be reminded that God is big enough and cares enough to see and hear our pain. He can take it - in fact He is the only one who can.

You can speak to God honestly about any situation and about the condition of your heart because God cares, protects and saves. David knows, even through this heart-rending experience that God is, 'a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head'. David knows the extent of the circumstances and the intent of his son yet he also knows and clings onto the intent and power of Almighty God. Even in the midst of life-threatening disaster David remembers the truth about God. He recalls that God gets to choose every outcome of every situation. He reminds himself that God is a shield - He protects and fights for His people, He is magnificent and beautiful, and transforms sorrow to joy. Do you, in times of trouble also call to your mind the truth of God? Do you, along with David, understand that when you rely and depend on God He can keep you going and give you what you need? 

As you cry out to God, know that He hears you and is working even when you do not see it. He is your shield, glory and lifter-upper too. God does and will sustain and protect you like He did David. When you consider these truths about God, it can easily lead into thanksgiving, like it did for David. From feeling despairing and desolate, David has poured out his emotions then made himself remember the truth about God which then led to praise and gratitude. When you also pray when you are in despair, don't stop there, don't stop once you have had your rant and let out your emotions, but also but call to mind your understanding and experience of God and see how your prayer also transforms into gratitude. Even in the darkest moments of life you have a Heavenly Father who cares and hears you, you are never alone or forsaken. When you consider what David was experiencing in these moments it is inspiring to see how in times of torment he continues to find reasons to praise. 

In the midst of turmoil what do you see God doing for you? Are you looking out for how God supports, loves, protects, sustains and is generous to you even when life is chaotic and disastrous? Do you look for the small, everyday blessings that you can be thankful for, like the rest David was grateful for? 

You may be in a season of suffering or turmoil, and it may not be your fault - do not despair, but do cry out to God - let your pain be known to Him and remind yourself who God is. When you do, you will be able to see that God is with you and is looking out for you, and remember that, 'Salvation belongs to the Lord'