"From the Lord.  Part 1"
Daniel Valles

READ Psalm 109

Undoubtedly, if you take a stand for Christ, there will be words said about you, and actions taken against you.  Every Elijah has his Jezebel, every Moses his Korah, every David his Saul, every Daniel his enemies.  If you do not have enemies, perhaps you are not acting like a soldier.  In this chapter, David pours out his heart to God about his enemies.  This is an account that many of us can all relate to.  When slanderous words and actions are hurled our way, what are we to do?

In verses 2-5, David describes his the wicked.  Remember, that the 'wicked' are not just the unsaved who live for the flesh and lust.  A Christian can also be the 'wicked' if they are not following Christ and His commandments.  Christian enemies can sometimes make deeper wounds than our unsaved enemies.  David does not describe the wicked who afflict him by their gross immorality, lasciviousness, or blasphemy; he describes them by actions.  He states that they have lied about David to other people and to himself as well.  One of the greatest hurts is when people lie to others about you.  Not only did they lie to David, but they sought to discredit and dishonor him.

Their attitude, words, and demeanor towards him was full of hate (vs.3); their actions against him were without legitimate reason.  They were not retaliating against David because David had harmed or lied about them; they slandered him "without a cause."  David even states in verse 4 that he showed nothing but love toward them.  Through all of the lies, slander, and attacks on his character, David's testimony stayed the same - Christ-like.  Did he lash out against them and try to sling mud all over their character?  No!  He reacted like every Christian should - he prayed.  In verse four, David confides that during these times, he gave himself "unto prayer."  Later, in verse 24, David details how he has been in long periods of fasting because of these attacks.  He takes his problems and griefs to the Lord.