Cornered by Enemies

Many commentators are of the strong opinion that this psalm was written in memory of that interesting scene recorded in Samuel 24:1-22, which relates to his merciful treatment of Saul. David had opportunity to put Saul to death at the cave of Engedi, yet he spared the life of his bitter enemy, only cutting off his skirt and not allowing his friends to touch Saul.
During this period, David had been under suspicion, half afraid to speak - not wanting to say the wrong thing while trying to clear himself; David was being slandered, hounded by his enemies, censured even by Godly righteous - he was an outcast. Yet he took it kindly; even soliciting the righteous to critically discipline him: David was waiting upon God with confident expectation.
Here in the midst of his overwhelming stress, injustice and adversity, David ask God to:
Keep him from speaking evil even during persecution. Knowing the power of the tongue, he asks God to guard his tongue so that his words bring honor to His name. On the average, a person opens his or her mouth approximately 700 times a day to speak. That is 700 times that I either build up or bring shame to my Lord.

Guard his heart. Evil acts begin with evil desires. David knew it was not enough to not ask to be stayed from temptation or to make his heart stronger - he understood his need to be changed from the inside - at the level of his desires. God knows my heart at all times. I cannot mask my intentions; so He must change it to be pure.

Allow the righteous to rebuke him; when criticism is given wisely and accepted humbly - it can be an act of kindness. David even suggests how to accept criticism: (1) don't refuse it (2) consider it a kindness (3) keep quiet - don't fight back. Nobody really likes criticism, especially me. Yet it can benefit me when it is given wisely and I take it humbly. Putting these suggestions into practice will help me control how I react to criticism, making it productive, rather than destructive, no matter how it was originally intended.

It is at the end of this Psalm, David raises his eyes to the LORD; his prayer rises as incense to heaven. In the darkness, comes a 'night' language when we cannot see and this gives over to morning light when our eyes are on the LORD. It is a prayer when I am overwhelmed and desperate; when I feel cornered by enemies (at times, I am my greatest enemy), only God can keep me safe.
Our LORD God is all-knowing, all powerful, and everywhere present. God knows us. God is with us, and His greatest gift is to allow us to know Him.

Created 6 months ago