Ezra 1-2 / 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 / Psalm 27:7-14 / Proverbs 20:22-23
It’s difficult to know how to respond when someone continually persecutes you. It’s even tougher to navigate and understand when it’s someone who claims the name of Christ. Should we not treat one another with forgiveness and kindness, even when misunderstandings have occurred in the past? I say that as followers of Christ, we should be the first to forgive, bless and move on.
When I read Psalm 27:11-12 I was reminded of an ongoing situation of persecution in my life. I’ve tried to make sense of it. I’ve forgiven, prayed, fasted, blessed and now the Lord has released me to move forward regardless of what others are doing or saying. The truth is I was moving forward anyway, mostly unaware of the behind-the-scenes persecution.
Unfortunately, from time to time I hear a whisper that the relentless persecution is still ongoing. It makes my heart sad for many reasons.
Psalm 27:11-12 states, “Teach me Your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.”
David certainly faced many enemies, chief of which was King Saul. King Saul was both demon oppressed and jealous of David. Saul attempted to kill David on several occasions, causing David to have to hide in caves for months. David knew he had been anointed as king, but I think he understood it was not yet his timing. David also purposefully honored Saul because he was God’s anointed king.
In this prayer to God, David is asking the Lord for His way. David is aware that when facing an enemy, the path of human reasoning will not be effective. He knows he needs God’s wisdom and insight to properly face this enemy while maintaining his integrity. That is something we would be wise to do when faced with an enemy. Wait to respond until we have God’s heart.
When David is asking to be led in a straight path, he is asking God to give him level ground upon which to walk, knowing difficulties are current and ongoing. The commentaries I read clarified this part of David’s request. He was asking to be made aware of the traps of the enemy. And trust me, the enemy would love to trap us in anger and unforgiveness, along with bitterness when an enemy continues to attack.
Then we have a plea for safety and protection – please don’t let my enemies catch me and get their way! God has a way, a plan, and a purpose for us, and it is to bring forgiveness, healing and blessing into our lives, not the wished-for destruction our enemies hope for. One trap might be for us to wish evil upon our enemies. Don’t do it! Forgive, bless, and pray for them. They obviously need God’s love and perspective.
David knew he was being falsely accused, not because he was a perfect man who was without sin but because he was doing all he knew to do to honor God and his enemies in the situation. I used to say I didn’t have any enemies, except one – the devil. I’m sad to say now that I have several enemies. It shouldn’t be this way in the body of Christ.
If Jesus followers can’t get along with and forgive one another, there is no way the world will want what we have. When we behave this way, we end up looking just like the people who are lost without Jesus. Our behavior makes it appear as if we do not possess the eternal life Jesus died to give us. That is more than sad; it’s an enemy plot to keep the lost from seeing Truth.
To the best of my ability, I refuse to be a tool of the devil. I do not comply. I’m reminded of another scripture from Romans 12:18 NASB If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. For my part, I will not engage in speaking evil of another brother or sister. I know it grieves the heart of the Father when we do this.
However, I have no control over what others say and do. That is between them and God. Mind your own business, work hard, love others and move on. Our final verse is 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NLT Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.
