As I Re-enter the Land of Kedar

Scripture:
What will he do to you,
and what more besides,
you deceitful tongue?
He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows,
with burning coals of the broom bush.
Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek,
that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I lived
among those who hate peace.
Psalm 120:3-6

Observation: The psalmist is discussing the life he lives outside of the Promised Land, in the land of the descendants of Ishmael. He lives in a place where everyone is cruel toward him. They lie and deceive, and take actions to always make his life - an honest and God-fearing man - more difficult. When he speaks truth and kindness, they take advantage of him. When he tries to simply live a peaceful and honest life, they hate his lifestyle. He will not resort to their tactics, but he prays for their punishment.

Application: The other night I read back through a few of my blog posts from 2014 (when I began this) to 2018, and recalled ... how terrible it was working in local government. Back then I often prayed about how hard it was being a Christian and working in a place where policy and daily rules were opposed to the Lord's teachings. I recalled liars who made my life hard just because of who I was. I remembered a list I started of all the people at work I could truly 'trust' to be honest collaborators with me, and for a long time that list had only one name ... and then I had to erase that name, too. Over and over, I asked the Lord why I was even there, and I left only when the lies and hate of the people finally rose to a level that they destroyed by career. After that, my prayers did change to inviting God's punishment - his burning coals and sharp arrows - to fall upon them.

Now, I am about to re-engage in these places. It will be different, as from a professional perspective I am but a visitor, not a resident. Also, it has been many years and many of the worst of the people have left (and yes, some are gone because of the turns in their lives that I know is a response from the Lord).

I am concerned about how it will all go. I think there is a good chance the same people - or the same types of people - will again reject me and I will fail professionally. If that happens, so be it, for that truly means nothing to me. I am so much more content now in understanding how the Lord will be with me in these circumstances.

That said, I am not quite sure why I am re-entering this arena. It is my calling, clearly, and I know it is by the Lord's own hand that I am being brought back into this. There is clearly unfinished business ... either for someone I will meet and work with, or for myself. Whatever the mission, I will again be among those who hate truth and peace on a regular basis. I know I can only do this by the grace and strength of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, you took time last night to remind me of the truth, which is that I need you in my daily walk, and all the more when I am among the hateful liars who hate peace. As I am now beginning to engage in earnest, please be at my side. I ask that you protect me, but also that you show me your mission and purpose so I can serve you by serving others. Amen.