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O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle (Psalm 140:7, NLT).
We all face days of battle. They are coming, sometimes we feel them getting closer; something’s afoot, and our enemies draw near. And often these days ambush us.
Interestingly, the battle in this psalm isn’t against David’s normal enemies like the Philistines or even when King Saul was pursuing him, but against individuals (even those formerly close to him) who now devised plans for his demise.
O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long (vv. 1-2).
We can respond righteously or in anger. There is no better godly response than to begin our “Day of Battle” with this prayer:
I said to the Lord, “You are my God!” Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy! O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle (vv. 6-7).
And I mean “day of battle” as one specific day. Sometimes we see it coming, but often we don’t. In my ministry, I remember two “days of battle” — one I saw coming and the other I walked into unprepared. On both days, someone began by reading a multiple-page document listing accusations of my wrongdoings.
David explains his feelings during his “Day of Battle”:
Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips (v. 3).
As I listened to the multiple-page accusations, I felt betrayed. Words that I had spoken in confidence were twisted, actions of service demeaned, and in both “battle days,” I realized that my accusers earlier had had many meetings of discussion about me, to which I wasn’t invited.
They had created an impenetrable “group think” story about me, the course of the meetings was set before I showed up, and the intention wasn’t conversation but foregone conclusions. Later, they said, “It was for the best.”
Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me. The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way (vv. 4-5).
In our “Days of Battle,” honestly, we could be wrong, thus provoking the opposition of others. We must pray (as we could be unrepentantly wrong, and this includes me), but let’s always remember that we have an Ally. . .
Lord, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud (v. 8).
And as the Psalms do, hope is given at the end of the psalm — even for our “Day of Battle. . .”
But I know the Lord will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor. Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence (vv. 12-13).
Amen. Peace out!