January 17, 2025
Have any? I do. I’ve had some along the way a good portion of my life. In all honesty, I know I’ve caused the rise of some, but many have seemed to materialize when I challenged people to move ahead spiritually. To believe in God for more. If a man is unwilling to give God control, he can deeply resent and react to those who seek to take him there.
YOUR RESPONSE
So what do you do? I had to learn early how to respond Biblically, or I would have descended into unforgiveness, bitterness, and ungodly responses.
My teacher most often was David … a man who faced his share of antagonists. Their presence did not hinder his growth but paved a pathway into God’s presence, making him a great, enduring leader.
PSALM 17
In many Psalms, David models his response. Psalm 17 is classic and beautiful. What did David do when surrounded by enemies?
1. PRAY: David’s first response, not last resort, was to cry out to God. Why?
“I call on you, God, because you will answer me.” (Psalm 17:6)
David knew he always had a listening ear with the One who never slumbers nor sleeps and the only One who was bigger than every enemy. He knew God would respond with “the wonders of [His] faithful love” (vs. 7) and the perfection of His protection (vs. 8-9).
2. EXAMINE YOUR HEART
You have tested my heart; you have examined me at night. You have tried me and found nothing evil. I have determined that my mouth will not sin concerning what people do by the words from your lips. I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps are on your paths, my feet have not slipped. (Psalm 17:3-5)
We must never be so proud as to assume what’s happening is not our fault. Dawson Trotman said that, when criticized or attacked, he always looked for the “kernel of truth” that might be there regarding his behavior and repented as needed.
We must be aggressive in this but not take all the blame or let Satan falsely accuse us. Ruthlessly deal with what the Holy Spirit shows you in your life that needs to be adjusted. Clear your conscience with those you’ve wronged. But also ...
3. UNDERSTAND YOUR ENEMIES
Knowing what you’re dealing with--what’s at the core of an enemy’s heart--is helpful. Don’t make stuff up to justify yourself, but listen to God’s evaluation and let it move you to compassion for them and increased prayer. In this way, you will not respond with revenge but with a true desire for their redemption. “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing,” Jesus prayed from the cross.
David gives us insight into a true enemy’s heart.
They are uncaring (NO LOVE), and their mouths speak arrogantly (PROUD). They advance against me; now they surround me (AGGRESSIVE). They are determined to throw me to the ground (DETERMINED). They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush (VIOLENT). (Psalm 17:10-12)
4. ENTRUST YOUR CASE TO GOD
Forgiveness is not letting someone off the hook. It is a step of faith, transferring the case you are holding in your own courtroom (where you are judge, jury, and executioner) to the courtroom of heaven. “Never take your own revenge,” Paul warns, “but leave room for the wrath of God” (Romans 12:19). God is big enough to protect you and avenge whatever needs to be corrected.
Look at Jesus, who “while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1 Peter 2:23)
5. REJOICE IN THE GREATER REWARD OF A RIGHTEOUS RESPONSE.
David reminds his soul of the ungodly enemy’s end. They will be “satisfied” with the temporary, worldly results of their own behaviors.
With your hand, Lord, save me from men, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their bellies with what you have in store. (Psalm 17:14)
They get only what the world can offer. But look at what David received as He humbly, graciously pursued the Lord, and did what was right.
But I will see your face in righteousness. When I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence. (Psalm 17:15)
The one who does what invites the presence of God into the situation has the ultimate reward. “In Your presence is fullness of joy, and at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore,” he said in the previous Psalm (16:11). Why would you do anything to jeopardize that? Who could gain a greater reward than the presence of God?
January 16, 2025
Everything in your life and your future depends upon where you place the Lord. Notice the Psalmist David indicateD it is our deliberate choice and no one else’s. No one can do this for you. “I have SET … I PLACE the Lord in front of me.”
January 15, 2025
Imagine a child created by God and for whom He had sent His only begotten Son to redeem and His Spirit to indwell. And then imagine that child ignoring Him, never communing, never praying, never listening, never obeying. And then realize how an attentive, unceasing life of prayer would delight the heart of the Father who made you.
January 14, 2025
Spending hours in solitude with God alone is foreign to us. We are not familiar with God. He is, for most, a distant entity, not an every day Father.
