Under Attack

Read Psalms 69:1–72:20

4. Those who hate me without cause out number the hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me with lies, demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.
5. O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you.
6. Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel.
7. For I endure insults for your sake; humiliation is written all over my face.
8. Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me; they treat me like a stranger. . . .
12. I am the favorite topic of town gossip, and all the drunks sing about me.
13. But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:4-8, Psalm 69:12-13

The rumor mill is in full swing, and you’re the target. People are making statements about you that would pierce the toughest skin. Although nothing they’re saying about you is true, the more you try to stop the rumors, the more guilty you look.

Psalm 69 talks about the damage rumors can cause and offers hope for those whose lives are left in the wake of hurtful rumors. People don’t like it when others appear better than they are. If people who notice your faith don’t necessarily like it, they may hate you for it. They may go to extremes to get you in trouble or to embarrass you. This psalm offers a prayer for times like that.

Other themes in this reading include asking for God’s help in emergencies (Psalm 70); celebrating God’s constant help (Psalm 71); and leading and ruling others (Psalm 72).

Many believers feel tempted to turn from God, give up on life, or even go into hiding when they encounter the kind of persecution that David endured. Rather than turning away from God at times like these, we should run to him. He will strengthen us for the trial and rescue us from our enemies.

When you are persecuted for your faith in God, continue to pray to him no matter how you feel or how difficult it may be. God promises to hear your prayer and rescue you. Remember that God is your most faithful friend. Don’t turn away from him, especially in your time of need.