"Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me." (Psalm 35:1)
OBSERVATION
Life is filled with people who feel like we are at odds with. So we view them as opponents, as people who are out to get us. David, in this Psalm, was literally talking about people who were out to kill him. His prayer in 35:1, could be paraphrased, "Get 'em God. You take care of them." And pretty much that is what he was doing. However, he gives a great insight in verses 13-15, about how we are to treat such people. "
Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting and my prayer was genuine. I went about grieving as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning a mother."
David was able to pray for his enemies as if they were a friend or brother. Sounds a lot like Jesus' instructions to bless those who curse us and pray for our enemies. That is upside-down kingdom living at its best (and hardest). David prayed because it honored God and it was the right thing to do. It did not change their hearts, but it changed his. In fact, in the very next verse (v.15) when he stumbled they gathered in glee. A great way to show him appreciation for his concern. They did not show him the compassion that he offered to them through his prayers.
APPLICATION
I have to admit I could get used to the "Get 'em God" prayers. Using God as a spiritual hit man. However, those prayers do nothing for my character or help me grow to be more like Jesus, who went a step beyond praying for his enemies, he forgave them. My duty as a follower of Jesus is to offer genuine, heartfelt, prayers for the difficult people in my life. The truth is, at some point, everyone in my life is difficult to me, and I am difficult to them. Following Jesus, means living life in an upside-down kingdom. Instead of praying, "Get 'em God," I pray, "Bless them God." In those moments, the compassion of Jesus is made real in my life even if they don't respond in kind. God does not give a whit about my comfort but he certainly wants to develop my character.
PRAYER
Lord, I'm one of your difficult children at times. Help me to give to others the genuine heart of compassion that Jesus showed to me.
