In Psalm 55, we see the psalmist once again lifting his voice to God in anguish. The psalm is attributed to David who is suffering from the sting of betrayal. A close companion has turned against him and he wants justice. This psalm sparked a conversation with friends about justice and forgiveness. At first glance they might not seem to go together. Can we pray for justice and still pray for a heart for forgiveness? In the end we agreed that they are compatible prayers…justice is for God to render; forgiveness is for us. Leaving justice to God is an important step in the forgiveness process.
David spent the first part of the Psalm in anguish. He opening and honestly shared his hurt, frustration and anger with God. But in verse 16 - 19, we see a change in his tone. He knows God hears his cry and he knows that God will vindicate him.
16 But I call to God,
and the LORD saves me.
17 Evening, morning
and noon I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
18 He ransoms me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
Because of our sinful nature, we are incapable of the perfect justice that God delivers. Only he is capable of putting aside pride, envy and other emotions that get in the way. That is why David casts his cares on the Lord in Psalm 55:22-23:
22 Cast your cares on the LORDDavid trusts that the Lord will take care of his enemy. He has given over judgment to the Lord. Once we do this, forgiveness becomes a lot easier. When we stop worrying about when and how justice will be served, we can begin the journey toward healing. We can partner with God in the process of removing the anger, bitterness and hurt that go along with unforgiveness.
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.
23 But you, O God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.
If you are suffering from the sting of betrayal, give over judgment to the Lord. Ask Him to render justice however he sees fit; then you can put your trust in Him to deliver. Leave the judgment to God and begin your journey of healing and forgiveness.
today's post submitted by Kelly Coxe
6The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
ReplyDeleteHere is something interesting. The pure words of God are placed into a furnace of earth. We are the furnace! As the Word of God enters our minds it acts like a hammer and anvil to break up the stony patches of unbelief in our heart. The Word of God acts like a refining fire to burn off the snares which have entangled our feet. The Word of God acts like a sword to divide between our own desires and God’s will. The Word of God has the ability within itself to purify the vessel into which it is placed. Why? The Word of God is alive in us to do the work of God in our hearts and minds.
1 Pet 1:23
having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,
No wonder our Lord quoted the scripture when he was tempted by the devil. No wonder David clings to the Word as he enters into the fires of life and no wonder we roll our whole life onto the Word of God who was made flesh.