Is there a place to go amid lies and accusations (Psalm 5:9 & Psalm 41:5)? When there are those bent on destroying your reputation (Psalm 38:12 & Psalm 41:6), what can you do? When people assume the worst about you, things they have imagined in their minds that are not true (Psalm 41:7), and you are crushed beneath the stench of their words (Psalm 42:10), is there anyone who knows the truth? This is where David finds himself in our reading this morning.
Make no mistake about it; the Christian has an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Steal your joy, kill your trust in God, and destroy your reputation. Sometimes, this comes from those you thought were close to you, as David experienced.
Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me. (Psalm 41:9, ESV)
And still, yet, those whom your Adversary is not using to oppose you outright stand at a distance from you and your situation—almost like you are toxic and they don’t want to get infected (Psalm 38:11). In times like this it is easy to think that even God has forgotten about you, as you feel very alone and isolated (Psalm 42:9). It’s no wonder at all that David asked himself why he was so discouraged (Psalm 42:5–6)! What can one do in times like this?
First, notice what David said in Psalm 38:13–15.
But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak. I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. (Psalm 38:13–15, NLT)
David tuned out all the lies, gossip, and crazy imaginative rhetoric people had assumed upon him. He realized he couldn’t answer everything against him, and to do so would be foolishness. It is never wise to answer fools according to their folly (Proverbs 26:4), lest you become foolish as they are.
Second, hope in God (Psalm 42:11)! God has a way of exposing liars, allowing those who have schemed against you to get caught in the traps they have set for you (Psalm 5:10). Through his hope in God, David was able to say the following.
By this I know that You are well pleased with me, Because my enemy does not triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before Your face forever. (Psalm 41:11–12, NKJV)
Third, David found God to be his refuge (Psalm 5:11–12). In so many ways, the value of this refuge is experienced by letting go of our situation and trusting it to the sovereignty of God. When we try to control and manipulate these situations for the outcome we desire, we lose the comfort of our refuge. Ultimately, having found refuge in God, David could say—Praise the Lord!
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen. (Psalm 41:13, ESV)
Is God your refuge? A very present help in time of need? Hope in God! Tune out the lies and gossip. Let the sovereignty of God comfort you, trusting Him to bless you, have mercy on you, and preserve you!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalms 5; 38; 41-42.