Psalm 64:1-10 AMPC
Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; guard and preserve my life from the terror of the enemy. Hide me from the secret counsel and conspiracy of the ungodly, from the scheming of evildoers, Who whet their tongues like a sword, who aim venomous words like arrows, Who shoot from ambush at the blameless man; suddenly do they shoot at him, without self-reproach or fear. They encourage themselves in an evil purpose, they talk of laying snares secretly; they say, Who will discover us? They think out acts of injustice and say, We have accomplished a well-devised thing! For the inward thought of each one [is unsearchable] and his heart is deep. But God will shoot an unexpected arrow at them; and suddenly shall they be wounded. And they will be made to stumble, their own tongues turning against them; all who gaze upon them will shake their heads and flee away. And all men shall [reverently] fear and be in awe; and they will declare the work of God, for they will wisely consider and acknowledge that it is His doing. The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.
We live in a complaining world. So many folk feel they have legitimate axes to grind!
The courts are full of cases where slander or libel has allegedly taken place and reparation is sought.
Social media is full of accusations and counter claims.
Even the Royal family are about to air their dirty linen in public!
What should be our first response when we have a complaint?
David takes it straight to God and asks to be protected from these sharp swords and arrows of the enemy!
Here's another picture of how tongues can be sharpened to be like swords and words like poisoned arrows! I'm sure each one of us can summon up a memory where we've been on the wrong end of such a sword or arrow suddenly plunged into our heart taking us unawares.
At such a time, we do well to realise that flesh and blood is not our enemy, don't look at the human "special agent", but behind every false accusation is the ancient accuser:
Revelation 12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, “Now have come salvation and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.
Satan never lets up, he's always on our case, pointing the finger at our every lapse - complaining about us before God.
It's like a heavenly courtroom drama!
What a joy to know we have the best lawyer standing up for us:
1 John 2:1
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
Next time you are accused or hurt, don't turn to Oprah Winfrey or social media! Like the old hymn says:
"Do your friends despise forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In his arms he'll take and shield you. You will find a solace there."
https://youtu.be/0W0vTsM7Gps What a friend we have in Jesus! Take it to the Lord in prayer!
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