Psalm 64

[Al Moak]

Psalm 64

In this song the psalmist is like one of today's average business executives.  He's had one of those mornings in which others were attempting to discredit him, defame him, shoot him down with words, and take all the credit that was rightfully his.  Then, in the early afternoon, he has a few moments of solitude and reflection.  In this time of quietness, while he considers all that has happened and all that was said, he turns to God – and he asks Him to consider all these things with him.

During this time with God he's moved to pray that he might be preserved from fear in the presence of these enemies of his.  He knows he is weak.  He knows how easy it might seem to give in, to twist the truth just a little in order to preserve himself and his rightful position.  But his innermost desire in all he does is to reflect the goodness, the righteousness, and the truth of God.  "Don't let me fall," he's saying, "because of my fear of what all these men might do or say - let me speak truth, no matter what men may want to hear."

Then continuing his conversation with God, he says, "Lord, I don't even want to know what they're plotting, the schemes they hope to hatch, the rebellion they're probably considering already.  I'll leave their iniquity in Your hands, even though they cut me up with their tongues and shoot at me with their bitter words.  I know they think that no one knows what they're thinking and saying and what their aim is.  They don't even think You know, Lord.  They think they've really been shrewd and that they've hidden everything from both man and God (they probably don't even believe there is a God).  But, Oh my God, I know that they aren't hidden from You in what they want to do - all their thoughts are perfectly revealed to You. PERFECTLY!  And You shoot better than they do! 

The result will be that they will stumble over their own tongue, and they will look so foolish that all who see them will avoid them completely, and people will know that You are working in my life. Some may even wisely consider their own relationship to You.  The final result, O Lord, will be that people will see my triumph in Your triumph, so they'll begin to trust You more.  And all those who do so will come to glory in Your greatness, Your goodness, and Your truth!"

Is God's glory your chief concern as you face this world of evil?  Do you pray that the trouble you experience will turn into praise to your God?  You have all eternity in which to experience peace and joy – so let your moments here on this earth bring glory to your God!