Psalm 109 - 5.20.25
SCRIPTURE: In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. Psalm 109:4
OBSERVATION: In this Psalm, David is pleading with God to help him during a time when he is wrongly accused, hated without cause, and being attacked at every angle. This Psalm might have been penned while David was being persecuted by Saul or when his son, Absalom, rebelled against him. David is acknowledging the wrongs that are being done against him, yet he goes directly to God in prayer. He is recognizing God’s Sovereignty, power, and protection by being a man of prayer.
Even through all he endured, David’s response is “but I am a man of prayer.” The “but” is countering the accusations and wrongs being done against him. He could have said “but I will get revenge” or “but I will make them pay.” No, he didn’t take matters into his own hands but knowing that God holds all the power in life, he went to prayer. David knew the most important action he could do was to reach out to God in prayer.
APPLICATION: David’s example in this one little verse says it all: his first line of defense was prayer. I can’t imagine all that he went through and the personal pain he felt – the betrayal by those he thought loved him. He went through a lot yet David reflects a deeply humble heart and knows that God is the one who can protect and rescue him. He didn’t go after his accusers with personal revenge, but he prayed. He not only prayed for protection but he also was praying for those doing the terrible things against him. He didn’t seek his own justice against anyone, but he prayed God’s justice would prevail. David’s response to all the atrocities he suffered was to pray.
When we pray to God, we’re acknowledging He has power over every situation in life. He can move, change, save, and protect. David knew this very well and ultimately all that he went through is encompassed in verses 26 – 27. He wanted God to have all the glory and recognition in saving him:
26 Help me, Lord my God;
save me according to your unfailing love.
27 Let them know that it is your hand,
that you, Lord, have done it.
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to come before your throne and pray! Lord, thank you for loving me through everything – even in times of trials and the challenges in life. Help me to be a person of prayer in every situation in life. Lord, you are above it all. Help me to always come to you and to pray for those who have done anything against me or my family. Let each person come to know you and see your hand in each situation. You deserve all the glory, honor and praise. In Jesus name! Amen
- Mary Oberg
