Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 35 – 6-5-20
This Psalm is made up of laments for the Lord to come defend and defeat the enemies of David and God’s people. It almost seems as if this is a list of cries against these enemies, a poor me attitude, ending in a trust in God’s faithfulness to come to our aid. However, it is not necessarily a poor me attitude, but a laying out before the Lord the pain of our hearts that bring us to a place of trust and reliance on the Lord for defense and deliverance. The first 8 verses call out to God to Contend and fight on our behalf, to pick up the sword and armor and go to battle for us.
Psalms 35:9-10, 9 Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me. 10 I will praise him from the bottom of my heart: “Lord, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the weak and helpless from the strong? Who else protects the poor and needy from those who want to rob them?”(NLT) These are the key verses to the chapter and bring out the purpose and prayer of David’s heart in writing this song of lament. David’s heart desire was to be able to praise the Lord for His rescue and deliverance; to be able to stand before others and list off the winning ways of the Lord in his life. As he begins to rejoice in the Lord, he lists the things that make the Lord our Great Defender and Savior. God’s rescue of the weak and helpless from the strongest of enemies, show that there is NO ONE who can compare to the Lord.
Have you ever felt like you have sacrificed and been there for those going through hard times, only to have the very people you were there for turn on you when you needed them. Verses 11-18 describe this happening to David. When he was down, they rejoiced, and made fun of him. When there was no one to defend and stand by him, David called upon the Lord to come to his defense. Never doubt that the Lord sees the way you are being treated and we will give thanks to Him for His rescue and loving care for us.
The third lament brings in a whole new level that may be the hardest of all. Not only did these enemies not come to his defense, but they accused David of wrong doing of which he was innocent. Psalms 35:21-24, 21 And they opened their mouth wide against me; they said, “Aha, aha, our eyes have seen it!” 22 Thou hast seen it, O LORD, do not keep silent; O Lord, do not be far from me. 23 Stir up thyself, and awake to my right, and to my cause, my God and my Lord. 24 Judge me, O LORD my God, according to Thy righteousness; and do not let them rejoice over me.(NAS) Praise God we have an omniscient and righteous God Who judges rightly in every situation and accusation.
This Psalm of lament ends with turning in rejoicing because God vindicates him and returns him to righteous favor and joy. Our response is one of declaration of God’s righteousness and judgment allowing us to praise Him all day long regardless of what it looks like in the moment.
Father, I praise You for Your patience in listening to the pain of my heart and the cry for You to fight, and contend for me against my enemies. Help me to not live in the despair of my problems, but as I lament and list my grievances before You, my the attitude of my heart be lifted to rejoice in You my Righteous Judge and Savior. Thank You for the grace needed to carry on in faith looking to You to make all things right. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob