Week of September 6

Airliners have black boxes onboard that record pilot conversations when a crisis strikes. In some cases, loud audible gasps or shouts have been made to express the emotions that those individuals feel. Picture your most desperate cry for help in a moment of crisis, the words you used to express your despair, and you will be able to identify with the message of Psalm 70. This hymn has a bit of an added surprise that we see on occasion in the Psalms—a nearly identical companion psalm. Let’s examine apply today God’s words found in this hymn.

Bible scholars direct our attention to Psalm 40:13-17, the other place where the essence of this song is recorded (HCBC; EBC; Handbook). The hymn is, in fact, an almost exact replica of that passage. The psalmist laments his persecuted and oppressed state and cries out to the Lord. So, we will place one finger in this passage and refer to Psalm 40 to arrive upon a good interpretation of the passage. Regardless, the Lord has provided our hearts today with a powerful message of hope.

Know that extreme evil exists. The psalm takes off quickly and with great intensity! We see immediately that the writer is being “bullied” because people are making fun of him (v. 3; 40:15, “Aha! Aha!”). The words in these passages occur elsewhere in the Psalms, and the meaning is outright lying with the intent to destroy a person’s life (35:13). Surely, we all can recognize this sort of behavior on our own social media accounts. I liken it to a falsehood-feeding frenzy! The situation is serious in our passage because these enemies seek to snatch away the author’s life, to kill him (v. 2; cf. 40:14). He cries out to God for some relief from this situation and requests that they will ultimately be defeated and dishonored (v. 2; 40:14). 

Rely on our steadfast God. These passages remind us that each generation has its bullies. We remember that previous generations very often had some escape from harassment, but many children today face persecution around the clock because of the advent of social media, where bullying is so prevalent. The psalmist knows, however, that bullies come and go but God remains steadfast and able to deliver the helpless. The poet asks for God to defeat the ones who are making fun of him and to “cause them to have burning faces” (Handbook). 

Seek God’s blessings on your enemies. The psalmist then does the most curious thing. He turns his focus toward the Lord and prays for God’s blessings upon his faithful people. Our Savior modeled these words and actions in the most severe circumstance too (cf. 1 Peter 2:23). Prayer and praise are indeed a powerful response to our own sufferings. We must keep in mind, however, that Jesus’ silence and non-retaliation at His trial and crucifixion were intended to satisfy the will and purposes of God in salvation. 

Defend the helpless. The “poor and needy” ones are those who are oppressed. The psalmist calls upon God for justice—God’s justice to prevail (vs. 5; 40:17). He cries out that God would not forget him in his need and to come quickly to the rescue. Our goal should be like the psalmist’s. He prayed that all who seek God would rejoice and that all who come to Him would be glad (v. 4; 40:16).

Contemporary challenge: Respond quickly to signs of abuse

Always keep in mind that our little innocent ones must be defended and protected from bullying. Wives (and even husbands) who are suffering mental, verbal, and physical abuse are to be protected and defended from their abusive spouses. We need to rescue them from harm and not pat them on the back and urge them to return home to violence. Workplace bullying must also be resisted and those who are being threatened and harassed need to be delivered from their oppressors.

God became powerfully real to me when I was a five-foot-tall, 90-pound, 8th grade boy in Houston. My six-foot-plus, 180-pound, “Goliath” was a 9th grade bully who waited twice weekly for me after metal shop class, grabbed me by my throat, lifted me off my feet, pressed me against a wall, and demanded my money. The pattern was continually repeated and was quite terrifying. I recall that afterwards, each time, I would cry out to God through my tears and fear and beg Him to stop this person. It was during those traumatic events, and God’s response to my cries, that solidified in my mind that our Lord hears and answers prayers!

Here are some spiritual points for today. First, the Scriptures became a guide for me in those days because they helped me to shape my prayers in ways that expressed my deepest feelings. God’s word comforted and strengthened me throughout that period of bullying. Secondly, my parents, family, and friends supported me throughout. Thirdly, God made it possible for me to endure the situation, and He ultimately delivered me from harm. 

I will never forget the day, as I once again left metal shop class and braced myself for yet another encounter with evil, that the bully was not there. As it turns out, he would never come to school again. He had been arrested and placed in jail for committing a crime. That day, God received my praise, and still does to this very day, as you may well sense from this testimony. He hears our cries, helps us to bear up under oppression, and delivers us through His Son, our Savior. Take heart and cry out in your need today, “I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!”

1. We all face “Goliath-like” people or circumstances in our lives, so write down the “who’s” and the “what’s” today. Give your burdens and fears to the Lord. 

2. The church must do more to provide support to the oppressed and burdened—especially those who are living under the iron fist of bullying and abuse. Take bold steps to provide sanctuary and help to the hurting ones among you.

3. For Families: Every six months or so, we encourage Moms and Dads to take their kids, one by one, for an ice cream treat, or on a date, and spend some time visiting about their child’s heart. Pay particular attention to whether your son or daughter is okay down deep. Do they have any fears? Are they afraid to go to sleep at night? Are they worried about something? 

Not long ago at the Baptist Center, we hosted a children’s ministry event. During our Bible session, a small boy of about seven years told us very solemnly that he was afraid to go to sleep at nights. He feared bedtime, feeling abandoned and alone when it was time to sleep. 

If your child has any fear, or is being bullied, or feels anxious, it can be a petrifying phase for them. Listen well, and then pray over them, asking God to give them peace in the Name of Jesus. Then share this verse with them, and help them to memorize it. They can call on God at any time!

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock