David wrote this Psalm as a result of experiencing reproach, shame, and dishonor. He was hated without a cause. He was weary with crying. But, through it all, he prayed; “Hear me, O Lord, for Your lovingkindness is good. Turn to me according to the multitude of your mercies.”
I am sure some of you have experienced the sam treatment as David. You may have even experienced the same emotions he was painfully bearing. He was hurt, mistreated and alienated from loved ones. Psalm 69:8 And, he could not change things.
Those of you reading this article may have situations that you have tried to resolve but to no avail. You could not change things either. This presents an opportunity to accept the reality of what is and praise the Lord in prayer as David did in spite of your circumstances. There is a peace that comes in the resignation of acknowledging the state of things. Some of the most tormented people who have anxiety and depression are trying to change things that are out of their control and impossible without the intervention of God’s grace and mercy. Oftentimes, the people who have hurt us, abandoned us, hated us, demeaned us, or abused us are not in a position to change. They may have issues that they have never dealt with and they do not have the desire to repent as you might think they should. “As a man thinks in his heart; so is he.”Proverbs 23:7
Let’s see Ding David’s perspective in times like these. He recognized the darkness for what it was, but he also recognized that even so; “Your lovingkindness is good. Turn to us according to the multitude of your mercies.”Psalm 69:16 God is always good and He pours out the multitude of His tender mercies towards us in the midst of our trial!
Concentrate and meditate on what is true concerning the goodness of God and the mercies of God and give Him praise. Accent the wonders of God rather than the heaviness and burden of life which is so easy to focus on. Doing this will lift your countenance even though it may not resolve your difficulties. You can demonstrate the peace of God in your life. I learned a very helpful principle from Rick Joyner. There are two actions continually occurring before the throne of God – intervention and accusation. Jesus always lives to make intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25 And Satan is accusing us before our God day and night.Revelations 12:15
Start sowing a ministry of grace and prayer into those who have hurt you. “Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28 Remember also the powerful act of love in I Corinthians 13; “Love suffers long,… does not behave rudely, does not seek its own….Now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
I’ve seen this principle of sowing a different spirit into a once hostile situation work time and time again. Think about it, pray about it, and then act upon it.
And, don’t forget to give God praise for his goodness….in the midst of hurt!
