Psalm 109 – Judgment

Read Psalm 109

Have you ever bargained with God? Have you ever told God what to do (ever so nicely I’m sure)? I think we all have done, some more than others. This psalm is chalk full of David giving God directions. This is known as an imprecatory psalm, a call for God to judge the wicked. David isn’t asking for wealth or fame for himself, but he is asking, or telling, God how to treat the wicked.

Have you ever felt bullied? David had his share of that, and I get the sense here that he’s had enough. It’s hard to sit back and watch our enemies or those who bully us get away with it. Somehow they always seem to rise above it and be blessed. That’s the appearance anyway. What if we could see inside their hearts?

We’re supposed to love our enemies, too. What if we saw them from the inside only to realize they were hurting, or tormented, or worse. Perhaps their evil actions against us were only a by-product of their own misery and need of a Savior. Does that possibly change your perspective? I wonder if it would have for David in this psalm.

It is important for us to remember that God loves EVERYBODY he created. Sometimes we want to ration God’s love and think he can’t possibly love those who don’t know or acknowledge him. Yet, don’t you  also believe that God is yearning for them, maybe even more? The story of the prodigal son comes to mind for me.

So today, what should be our marching orders? Let’s make a special effort to reach out to those we consider enemies. If direct contact is too raw or dangerous, go to your knees in prayer for them. Pray for them, not against them as David was modeling for us. David sought vengeance and discipline. May we seek peace and reconciliation, healing, change of heart, or an awakening to the truth.

Let’s pray. Father, it’s so easy to wish condemnation on those who persecute us. Help me instead to love on or be a better disciple towards them. Clean my heart from the hurt and ill feelings so that I can love and care for them. Please awaken in them an awareness of you and your goodness so they can follow you and not be caught up in the evil of this world. Guide all I say and do this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.