Facing Hostility

This psalm is a prayer for forgiveness, instruction, and protection from the forces of darkness which are oppressing the writer. The psalmist’s mood changes from that of a strong affirmation of trust (v. 15) to one of petition interspersed with lament over the severe trials he is experiencing (vv. 16-20). His most prominent trial is hostility from enemies. The severity of the trial is seen in the fact that the enemies are many and their hatred is extreme.

The animosity which the psalmist encountered was not primarily personal, but the result of his identification with God’s cause. Jesus also reminded His disciples that hatred directed against His servants on His account was to be expected (John 15:18-20). So don’t be discouraged when facing hostility; that comes along with the joys of serving the Master.

Taken from The Devotional Daily Bible