One thing that is happening in this world today is evil. Satan is stirring the pot of evil and causing all these tensions and turmoils among the people. In other words, spiritual warfare is among us. It is real and it is causing more violence than physical warfare. While both kinds of warfare are incomprehensible, we need to understand that we can be physically alive but be spiritually dead. We cannot live a life where we are surrounded by all this evil and mayhem. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul writes to Timothy explaining that there are people who are going to be boastful and arrogant and selfish. At the conclusion of verse 5, he tells Timothy to “stay away from people like that.” Much like how we need to stay away from boastful and puffed up people, we also need to stay away from people who bring about evil.
In today’s passage, David writes this prayer of deliverance. In Psalm 140, David starts off by asking and praying for a rescue. Rescue from what? Rescue from those who are pouring out and displaying evil and violence. David is praying from deliverance from these kinds of people. Not only is he praying for deliverance, but he is also praying for protection. In verse 4, it says “O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me.” David goes on to. Say that God is the only One who listens to me when I cry out. He is the strong One. He is the God of deliverance. In verses 9 following, he prays for his enemies to be defeated by whatever they have planned. He concludes this psalm by saying that the righteous people are praising His name. That is what we need to do. We need to praise Him at all times, no matter what season we are in. I realize that it is easier said than done, however, God is the only One who will give insight into our situations and how we can move forward instead of dwelling on the things that have occurred.
I want to challenge you by saying to praise God through all seasons of life. From the good times, to the bad times, and everything in between, continue to praise God. He’s got you and He loves you. He knows what is best for us and what is necessary for us. When we go through different seasons, it is easy for us to take control of the situation ourselves. The truth of the matter is that God is always in control. Do not take away His authority. To put this in tennis shoes, never kick God out of the driver’s seat. It never goes well. He knows the plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Because He has the plans for us, we need to have faith in Him knowing that He is always going to be with us no matter what.
Psalm 140 (NLT Translation)
1. O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, 2. those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long. 3. Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips. 4. O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me. 5. The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way. 6. I said to the Lord, “You are my God!” Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy! 7. O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle. 8. Lord, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud. 9. Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me. 10. Let burning coals fall down on their heads. Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can’t escape. 11. Don’t let liars prosper here in our land. Cause great disasters to fall on the violent. 12. But I know the Lord will help those they prosecute; he will give justice to the poor. 13. Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for Your will to be done and not my own. I know that this world is messy and confusing and pulling us in many different directions, but help us to be rooted in Your word and in Your truth. Only You know what is to come and You know all things. Help us to have a solid foundation in You. Without Your firm foundation, we will crumble like sinking sand. Help us to not let the evil people come near us nor let the evil spirit known as Satan’s demons have access to our hearts, minds, and souls. They have no place among us so help us to not give them the access nor the authorization to come into our lives. You are strong and You will deliver us from evil. Help us to be prepared and be aware of the enemy’s attacks. Lord, give us the strength and wisdom to turn away from him and turn towards You without any fear or timidity.
In Jesus name I pray, amen