Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
I don’t have enemies like some, certainly not like King David of Biblical times had, and of which he pleaded about in Psalms 35, 36, 37. And I am NOT in a war zone nor a center metropolis mess of drugs, theft and murders. (God please help those folks) I count my blessings and could remind my children all day to count our blessings that we have a FORTRESS to our fortunate circumstances, by suburbia soothing… Those of our good fortune or even those “day to day” making ends meet, we are reminded there are many worse off. We pray for them.
We must realize God has calmed our storms many times. We must praise Him. We must not gloat in the boat.
Sure, like everyone, I’ve got sticky situations, sure, and a warp of worldly wants and stress in time stretched so thin, but no one I know is “out to get me” like getting King David. Sure, often we are targeted for credit card info, electronic identity, but that’s nothing personal, just worldly want causing crime – but none of these are personal. If anything, crime and turning a blind eye to it is apathy to know better or make it better. Crime also is a disease of a sickened society, sickened by greed of want of money. Sad.
“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.”
David called out to the Lord. He WAS being surrounded. “May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.”
“There’s never a cop around when you need one.” We say that in traffic. The shoplifting scenes portrayed on social media result in car chases sometimes, but the employees are often trained to not intervene and risk their own lives. Video shaming is the chosen method to vindication. Nobody says No, lest they put themselves in danger… wow…
David put His enemies into God’s Hands. David knew a God of salvation could also judge those in the nation.
“… may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
David ALSO knew people were rooting for him. We too should remember we have friends who will help us out of a jam. And we should all praise God who helps us by being in charge of this jelly jar we call earth. “May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” “
Let’s remember even the stickiest situations are washable by Living Water help. Let us call out to the Lord for rescuing and when IN the calmed seas remember that “God did that” – it is not luck and it is not just us… All good things are from God. AND LOOK LONG TERM – GOD HAS HIS DAY OF JUDGEMENT – not us.
Lord, help me praise you too – Don’t Gloat in the Boat.
Amen
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More from Psalms 35-37
“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”
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How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
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Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
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The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
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I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
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The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
Debbie Upper 