Psalm 7 is one of the psalms that I think provides the most comfort for those who struggle with the fear of man. I can relate well to the fear of man because that has been the thorn in my flesh for most of my life. When I hear of something that someone said about me that isn't true, like slander or mockery, it really tears to my heart. Why? I want to be liked! I want to be someone who EVERYONE likes and I have worked hard to try to make it that way. Unfortunately, that goal will absolutely NEVER happen. Not everyone will like you, not everyone will be on your side. Not everyone will support you or will be an asset for your mission. And our challenge, as those who struggle with a fear of man is to GET OVER IT! Who cares what that person thinks of me!?
Easier said than done, I agree, however the bible says "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe." ~Ps 29:25
So what do we do when we face slander in our lives? What do we do when something is said of us and is spread of us that isn't true? What do we do when someone seems to be out to get you and you don't know why and they don't stop? Psalm 7 gives us a great insight into the heart of David who is struggling with that same problem and comes to his conclusion: find refuge in the Lord, NOT man!
Under the title of this psalm it tells us that this was a song of David in response to the words of Cush. I briefly tried to research what happened, or what Cush said, but came up empty. But based on the psalm, it would seem that this bully Cush decided to slander David in some way that really hurt David to the core.
So David responds in anger and as king lashes out with his army to kill Cush! Right? No. David turns to the Lord as his refuge and brings his concern and problem to the feet of the Most High.
Vs 1-2: "O Lord my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me, lest like a lion they tear my soul apart, rending it in pieces, with none to deliver."
If you've ever been bullied in your life, and not just as a child in grade school, but even in adulthood, you know exactly why David described it like a lion who is tearing his soul apart. Undeserved and unprovoked torment and slander is most painful! But we can learn from David's example here and approach the throne of God with our concern and have him search us and cry out for deliverance.
Notice in verse 3 that David, before moving on into praying for God's revenge, prays first for the Lord to reveal to him any fault of the matter. "Am I deserving of this? If I did, even unintentionally, let my enemy overtake me." David is quick to take blame and repent of something HE DIDN'T DO! He just wanted to make sure, before the Lord, that he was innocent of the slander against him. That's a man right there. Living up to something that maybe only the Lord knows you are at fault for and taking the punishment. However, the Lord determines that fault, not the other party.
David then opens up his mouth the praise of a God who stands up for the righteous, who protects the upright in heart, and lays waste the wicked man.
At the end of his reflection, David worships the Lord (vs 17). How often do we bring our complaints to the Lord and expect him to fix our problems, but are so angry about the situation that we fail to worship the guy who we are appealing to to help us!? We ought to give thanks everyday for the grace and faithfulness of God for even waking us up in the morning! Let us also bring our concerns before the Lord, but remember him as our Savior and king, the ruler of all, the creator of all, the epitome of righteousness, the only name worthy of praise and glory.
If you are reading this and have experienced slander, or maybe are in a work situation with someone who just plain bullies you. The LORD is your refuge, not the approval of that person. The LORD is your refuge, not the ceasing of that slander. The LORD is your refuge and give thanks to him for the ultimate vengeance on your part by Him!
Love this one!
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