April 3, 2023 -- Psalm 7 -- The Psalm Series: Fighting off enemies and the temptation to bitterness

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Behold, the wicked man conceives evil
    and is pregnant with mischief
    and gives birth to lies.
15 He makes a pit, digging it out,
    and falls into the hole that he has made.
16 His mischief returns upon his own head,
    and on his own skull his violence descends.
17 I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness,
    and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.
Psalm 7:14-17 ESV

At the start of the Psalm David proclaimed he would take refuge in the LORD. He was pursued by enemies, and his own son rose up in rebellion against him. He wrestled in his heart for purity toward God. It is easy to get bitter. It is easy to curse your enemy and then begin to plot evil against those who have offended you. That is not the way of God. David examined his heart first, then he called on the judgment of God against those who were sinning against him. These last verses need careful attention.

In verse 8 David declared “The LORD judges the peoples”. In David’s day there were offerings for guilt. As New Testament Christians we know Jesus is the Lamb of God Who takes away our sin. A man who confesses his wrong knows the judgment of God has fallen on Christ and the believer is judged righteous by the same sacrifice of Jesus. A man who is been embattled by people rising up against him, must be careful to call out for God’s help and salvation, while not sinning by forming hatred against those who are opposing him. To foment hate in your heart another human is to ignore the precious blood of Jesus which flowed for you. Don’t do it. That is why David concluded this Psalm by declaring his praise to God and thanking Him for the righteousness he has received. Without such righteousness the heart would shrivel up and begin to commit the same wrongs which non-believers commit and thereby to give room to the devil in your heart.

Blessed and honoured be Your Name, O Father of Heavenly Lights. Thank You for the rich salvation You have lavished on us in Jesus Christ. Thank You, King of kings and Lord of lords for the freedom You have given us from all the wiles, cords and traps of the Devil. Spirit of the Living God, bring us to the rescue of God our LORD and guard our minds from plotting evil and our hearts from violence. You, Triune God, are the shield of all who believe; You save the upright in heart. Thank You for the multi-faceted salvation which brings the Light of Jesus Christ into every area of life formerly governed by darkness. With believers through-out the centuries we declare to You: “I will give to the LORD the thanks due to His righteousness, and I will sing praise to the Name of the LORD, Most High”.

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