This psalmist has had a hard life from the sounds of it. There is a lot of hurt in his words. A life of persecution is never pleasant. I can’t really imagine what that kind of bondage is like. At best, I may have been laughed at for my faith or ridiculed for my devotion to God, but my back is free of scars. Perhaps this is just a metaphor, but some living in bondage during the exile didn’t have a pretty life. Our psalmist speaks for all of them.
I appreciated the statement, “but they have never defeated me.” That is determination if I’ve ever seen it. What a bold statement of faith, too. Amidst the trials, there was no caving in or giving up. His hope must have been burning strong.
It seems like in our day and age many take the easy way out. Others are quick to take a defeatist attitude. Many just walk away from struggles, acknowledge and accept their failure. They have lost their backbone. More likely, they have lost their relationship with God. What a shame.
How do you react to hardship? Have you experienced persecution for your faith?
While our psalmist has overcome and is returning “home” to Jerusalem, his bitterness lingers. He isn’t in the forgiving mood to those who have caused him harm. It’s not surprising. It’s hard to forgive when the hurts are in deep. It’s going to take God’s hand and influence to soften that heart.
How does this psalm speak to you today? Does it stir up memories of being hurt? Have you forgiven those who hurt you? I’ve got a few folks in my mind right now. They probably aren’t giving me a moment’s thought today, and that’s okay. I’m going to ask for help to forgive them.
Let’s pray. Father we give you thanks for all the provisions and rescue you do for us on a daily basis. But there are those people who seem to hurt us nonetheless. Help me forgive them. Bless them, Lord, today. Cleanse my heart and make me whole again. Protect me from harm. I pray for a renewal and refreshment. Take away this sense of dread. You are the prince of peace, pour down on me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
