Devotion – What Can I Do When Someone is Out to Get Me?

What can I do when someone is out to get me?

Did you know that Bible hero King David asked that question regularly?  Many people were often out to harm him.  During one terrible episode of his life, even his own son Absalom deceived him, staged a rebellion, kicked him off his throne and threw their country into Civil War!  Our own American Civil War was savage enough.  What if it was started because President Lincoln’s son forced him to resign and threw the country into war against itself?

And yet, through these terrible days, King David did not give up his hope in the LORD.  If anything, his hope grew stronger.  Look at how he coped with this family disaster…

• On my bed, I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night…  Instead of gathering details about his son who despised him, and how his life had gotten to be so messy, David gathered details about why God had been so loving and kind.  Even if he couldn’t sleep at night, he counted – or at least tried to count – all the blessings from the Lord’s hand.

• I sing in your shadow…your right hand upholds me.  A baby chick is protected under the wings of its mother.  That’s where we stay too…under the shadow of the wings of the Lord.  We sing there.  We have peace there.  God’s strong right hand is our strength.

• The king will rejoice in God…and the mouths of liars will be silenced.  Sometimes the worst part is wondering how liars can get away with it, often by telling more and more lies.  Don’t let that injustice drag you to doubt God.  Keep rejoicing in him.  For one day, the truth will come out, lies will be exposed, and liars will be silenced – once and for all.

What do you do when someone is out to get you?  Be thankful.  For God will never become that person who is out to get you.  And be patient – for the LORD gives you relief under the shadow of his wings, and silences the mouths of liars.  Wait for him – he will make sure the truth comes out in the end.

6 On my bed, I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.  7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.  8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me…11 The king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.                                                                                                                                                                   – Psalm 63:6-8,11