Discerning our approach to our adversaries

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;
preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart
and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s,
and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah

4 Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
preserve me from violent men,
who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
and with cords they have spread a net;
beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah

6 I say to the Lord, You are my God;
give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord!
7 O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah

9 As for the head of those who surround me,
let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let burning coals fall upon them!
Let them be cast into fire,
into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land;
let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall dwell in your presence.

- Psalm 140

In just 13 verses, David offers us a rich psalm of understanding our approach to our adversaries.  What exactly do I mean by that?  Take a moment right now and think about those in your life that may purposely want to harm you or your reputation.  In some ways, all of us have adversaries.  They creep up inside the church walls, school, and the workplace.  Tension and striving against our enemies is a direct result from our sin-stained world.  What do we do?  Do we lash back and attack?  Do we fight fire with fire?  I believe in this text, David offers us much needed wisdom.
 
David simply states the problem with his attackers (v.1-5) and seeks the Lord for protection and provision (v.6-13).  In other words, David doesn’t seek after the counsel of his friends or even his family.  In this text, he seeks the help and the mercy of our Sovereign Lord.  This beautiful picture of worship draws me daily to that approach.  Seeking the Lord for His provision in the midst of feeling attacks from others can offer you and I unspeakable joy.  Why would we turn to someone else?  We have the author, creator, sustainer, and ruler of life in our midst! 
 
Today, seek the Lord for His protection and provision for any attack you may be experiencing.  Don’t give in to the temptation of trusting in others.  His Word is good, His counsel is perfect, and His grace is sufficient!
 
-From one who seeks His wisdom in approaching and responding to my adversaries.