Christians are invited to strive for love and peace wherever possible. But sometimes people who intend to antagonize and bring us down are always there. In fact, sometimes their dislike and hostility crushes us so hard. How do we deal with this in the midst of the believer's call to proclaim peace wherever he is.
Psalm 69:23-37 attempts to provide answers to these concerns and struggles. The reference to David at the beginning of this poem is not without reason. It seems that we are about to be brought into the memory of the various events that David experienced. The pursuit by Saul that threatened his life, to the difficulties and rebellion he experienced. From the beginning, the psalmist tries to give context to his poem. A righteous man who is oppressed because of his righteous deeds, and his oppressors who are wicked people far from God. In verses 23-27, the psalmist reiterates his hope for the consequences that his oppressors will face. Meals become snares, celebrations become traps, eyes are darkened, and God's anger is directed at them. The cry is not an expression of hatred but an expression of faith that stems from the realization that God is the Just Creator. He will chastise those who rejoice in oppression and injustice.
The psalmist realized that the remedy for his anger and frustration was not a reactive response to his oppressors, but a heartfelt cry for God's justice to be revealed. He believed that even in the midst of his pain and distress, God's salvation and protection would prevail. Even in this difficult situation, he praised God. For him, what he did was more than a sacrifice in worship (vv. 30-32). Indirectly, he tried to advise all believers to praise God constantly so that we can always feel His goodness.
Friends of the Bible, let us always pray and cry out to Him even in the midst of all the injustice and oppression that we may experience. God is a God who always upholds justice in the midst of His created world. Let us come to Him in the midst of all the burdens of life and endless distress. Praise Him for He is our only source of help.
