The Only Response is Prayer

Scripture:
Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
Psalm 38:21-22

Observation: The psalmist (David) declares how his enemies are pursuing him, and how he is responding. In their pursuit, they are multiplying in both number and intensity of attack. They wrongly accuse, and not only accuse but now lie. They attack and anger, and not only anger but now evil. Meanwhile, David's response is silence. He acknowledges and laments about his own iniquities and failures, but won't respond to the accusations of others. He acts as a deaf mute, saying nothing.

But he does do one thing ... he submits to the Lord. He acknowledges his failure to God, speaks and prays to God, and places all of his faith and hope in the Lord's love and protection. He concludes that action with this, praying that the Lord will not forsake him, nor be far from him, but will soon provide help and salvation.

Application: Under attack, David models for me the only acceptable response, which is to re-focus on the Lord. There is no answer for false and evil attacks, other than simply trusting in the Lord.

This is a lesson I have taken to heart in my life. I have refused public comment and defense against the attacks made by others, who in fact did multiply and turn evil. And while the situation did not turn out as I hoped at the time, I remain trusting in the Lord that the outcome is as he wills it and in my best interest. There is no evidence of anything to the contrary in fact ... it is clear the Lord has cared for me and my family, and delivered me from evil.

Today, I worship the Lord, for he is worthy of all praise. He never forsakes me. He is never far from me. I will remain silent on all these matters forever, except to pray and worship the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, you are my strong tower and my protector. Your grace and mercy covers me. May my words and actions today demonstrate my thanksgiving for your love. Amen.