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O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent (Psalm 140:1, NLT).
I call Psalm 140 the “what to do with difficult co-workers” psalm. It also helps with frustrating people at school and family reunions!
In Psalm 140, David (already secretly anointed as king) serves King Saul’s household as a musician, advisor, and military leader. With David’s righteousness apparent, many in the king’s palace were bothered.
Let’s bullet point from verses 1 to 5, what the jealousy of David’s coworkers caused them to do:
- They planned evil things against David
- In their hearts, they thought continuously about how to cause his downfall
- They gossiped and slandered him
- They created traps to ensnare him and mar his righteousness
I know some of you are thinking right now, “Wow, sounds like a typical day at work for me too.” What did David do? What should you do?
Engage in Spiritual Warfare
The righteous should always expect opposition, as Jesus warns, “If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18, ESV). Mundane “say your prayers before bedtime” praying won’t work — know and practice spiritual warfare.
David prayed, “God, give heed to my prayers” (v. 6). Then he asked, “Lord, give me strength” (v. 7). He continued with, “Cover my head with spiritual protection so as not to succumb to their wiles or temptations” (v. 7). And finally, “Frustrate their plans” (v. 8).
Declare Victory for God and Defeat for Enemies
David aggressively declared victory in God and defeat for those who opposed righteousness. David asked that what they planned for him would happen to them, that they reap what they sowed, and that the fires started with their tongues toward him would engulf them instead.
Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me (v. 9, NLT).
Don’t let liars prosper here in our land. Cause great disasters to fall on the violent (v. 11).
Psalm 140 aggressively outlines an uncompromising battle for holiness, with winners and losers, and with the power of God directed through David’s praying, determining the ultimate outcome.
Hope in God
Hope is our final arrow for God’s victory. As Romans 5:5 asserts, “Hope never disappoints!” David writes…
But I know the Lord will help those they [enemies] persecute; he will give justice to the poor (v. 12).
David’s hope rooted itself in a shepherd boy who killed a giant with one smooth stone. Certainly, his gossiping enemies were no match for God. We should follow David’s example, as Jesus, who defeated the far greater giant of death on the cross, will certainly come to our aid when we are oppressed.
We will sing along with David…
Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence (v. 13).
Amen. Peace out!