October 5th

The LORD Fights for Us

Psalm 35:1-2
Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.

Enemies Rise Up

Psalm 35 is a psalm of David. There were several times in the life of David when strong enemies rose up against him, to destroy him. King Saul pursued David for a period of time, in hopes of killing him, prior to David becoming King. At a later time, David’s own son, Absalom, led a rebellion against him, and attempted to take his throne.

Bless Those Who Curse You

There are times in the lives of believers when people rise up against us, to do us harm. The Bible teaches us to be at peace with all men, as much as is possible. Jesus taught that we should bless those who curse us, and pray for those who despitefully use us, and to turn the other cheek. Yet the same Bible tells us that the LORD will fight our battles, and that vengeance belongs to the LORD, and that He will repay. Is the Bible in contradiction with itself?

The LORD Fights Our Battles

In David’s case, in Psalm 35, he asked God to plead his cause, which is a request for God to contend with or to strive with David’s enemies. He requested that the LORD “fight against them that fight against me.” This is not in contradiction to the teachings of Jesus. We should indeed bless those who curse us, and pray for those who treat us wrong, to keep bitterness and animosity out of our hearts. We are called to be a forgiving people. But it is not God’s will for us to be under our enemy’s feet, pushed down and oppressed. God will fight against them, if we ask Him to. But, we must allow Him to do the fighting. This is a New Testamant principle, as expressed in the words of the Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:19.

Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Pray for God’s Help

If you read the rest of Psalm 35, you will see that David prays a strong prayer against his enemies, even asking the LORD to cause them to fall into the very same pit that they had dug for him to fall into. It is acceptable to pray for the LORD to fight against your enemies. And He will do that, if we relinquish the battle to Him, and not fight it ourselves.

Call upon the LORD today, for help against those who are causing you problems without cause. Do your best to be at peace with all men, and pray for their good, keeping your heart clear of unforgiveness. If you have done someone wrong, seek to make it right. But let the LORD deal with those who are determined, without good reason, to do you harm, and let God avenge you of your enemies.