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The plowers plowed upon my back, they lengthened their furrows (Psalm 129:3, NASB).
One translator rendered the above verse, “When your enemies treat you like dirt and walk all over you.” We’ve all felt walked on and demeaned by others. When this abuse happens unjustly, Psalm 129 teaches us to Accept it, Benefit from it, and Commit it to the Lord.
Or the ABCs of suffering.
Accept it…
Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up (v. 1)
Accepting wrongful actions from others underlies, as a theme, the entire Bible. Think of the trials of Israel, Jesus on the cross, and the persecuted early church. Paul writes, “Present sufferings are not to be compared to eternal glory” (Romans 8:18). James adds, “Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). Peter says, “You have been called for this purpose because Christ suffered for you” (1 Peter 2:21). And John concludes, “Do not be surprised that the world hates you” (1 John 3:13).
I am encouraged by how Psalm 129:2b sums up the injustices in our lives: “Yet, they have not prevailed against me.”
Benefit from it…
We have options when others turn against us — we can take revenge, gossip and slander, perhaps file a lawsuit, or follow the eye-for-an-eye path.
Jesus says, “Pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Paul writes, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Peter says, “Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead” (1 Peter 3:9a). And John concludes, “The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and doesn’t cause others to stumble” (1 John 2:10).
Our eternal perspective allows us to live in a “waiting mode,” in which we understand that our deliverance will be granted either now or in eternity. The blood of Jesus has won the perfect solution; we just need to wait.
The Lord is righteous: He has cut in two the cords of the wicked (v. 4, NASB1995). (Another translation: “The Lord has broken the bonds that others have placed on us.”)
Commit it to the Lord …
The greatest mark of maturity of believers is receiving grace and then extending this same grace to others. If we don’t get discouraged or angry from being mistreated, nothing can steal our peace. The Lord responded to sin with mercy, and we must do the same for others.
Jesus says, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). Paul writes, “‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). James adds, “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). And John concludes, “Beloved, let us love one another” (1 John 4:7).
The last verse of Psalm 129 indicates that if we can say this:
The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord! (v. 8b).
We know that we are following the advice of Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John when we pray, bless, and forgive, and then find peace.
Let’s have this as a theme in 2026! The ABCs of suffering.
Yes and Amen!