Praying the PsalmsIhe Atụ

Psalm 35

Psalm 35 is another prayer written by David. It speaks to the injustices we see in the world every single day. And it offers a glimpse into the shepherd king’s authentic emotions. Emotions we share as well.

How often have we wondered if God is listening to our prayers or if he sees our struggles? “Are you listening?” we shout to the heavens. How does God allow such poverty, such illness, such violence? Or do you wonder how to answer the same questions yet beginning with “Why?” Why does God allow the poor, the sick, or the evil to continue in their ways? Our children and politicians alike suggest, “It’s not fair!”

God says, “You’re right!” Bad things are in our world because sin is in our world. If we didn’t have the darkness, there would be no need for the Light. David’s prayer asks a loving Father to bring justice. We cringe, pondering a request to make others look foolish, or worse, to bring them to ruin. “Good Christian people shouldn’t make such appeals,” we think as we shake our heads at David’s plea for God to throw a spear at the people who perpetrate evil.

And yet, we want justice, don’t we? Of course! We deeply desire the sick to be healed and those who are hungry to be fed. We cry out for the unborn who have no voice. We ask for violence and exploitation against women and children to be halted. We say “Enough!” to bigotry and racism. We reflect on our own actions, knowing we, too, deserve punishment, yet hope and believe in God’s grace.

How does David tap in God’s justice and grace? Worship! He knows that in the end, God’s ways are true and just, and he will prevail. So, David praises the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He acknowledges that God sees the injustice. We can do the same! The Creator will eventually make everything right in the world.

Jesus says we have a role in bringing justice as well. When we meet actual needs with tangible blessing, it is as if we are caring for our Savior. We are called to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and give the thirsty a drink. He came to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 61. He is the One who brings good news to the poor, freedom to those who are bound, and sight to those who can’t see their way through the fog of this fallen world.

There’s an oft-told story from the early 1900s of a query sent to authors by the London Times asking, “What’s wrong with the world today?” C.K. Chesterton, who has been called the greatest writer of the 20th Century, replied: “Dear Sir. I am.”

Yes, the world is full of people, all of whom, in our own ways, contribute to the fallenness of our times. But Jesus is the one who brings justice through the cross of grace.

Prayer

God. Abba. Father.

Some days, Lord, we feel like we are being chased into a corner. Sometimes by real enemies. Sometimes by the choices we’ve made or the circumstances of life. And sometimes, by the enemy of your righteous ways, O God. When that happens, stand up for us. Help us. Say to us: “I am your salvation.”

Thank you, Lord. When the ungodly pursue us for believing in you, may your Holy Spirit chase them away. May they slip and fall on their way to defeat us. When we have been innocently trapped by those who seek our demise, surprise them with their own ruin.

We will celebrate and be glad when we are saved. We will sing: “There’s no one like our God! You rescue the poor and the weak. You protect the unprotected.” O God, we cry out for the lives of those who are struggling with the hard reality of homelessness and poverty or children whose voices for safety and stability go unheard. We also think of your Son, Jesus, who was crucified on our behalf, our Passover Lamb. We find it hard to imagine all he went through. Just because he loves us. Thank you for your mercy.

Lord, when we face times of personal injustice, when others repay our good for evil, give us the courage and the grace to pray for them. Even when we stumble and fall and others cheer for our defeat, and we wonder where you are, come to our rescue. We will worship you; we will praise you for saving us. Defend us, Lord God. We are only worthy of your liberation because of your great compassion.

We know you see it all. The good and the bad. Please, don’t be silent. Defend us. Put to shame those who exalt themselves at our expense. We trust that you will save us. Yes, you have saved us! You, Lord Yahweh, are wonderful! You are worthy of our praise all day, every day. We know that you work all things together for our good, for your glory, and for our joy.

May you be glorified. In us and through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.