February 15, Reading 2 – Psalm 35, 36

David knew the heartache of personal attack, abuse and lies. What do you do when people repay you evil for good? Read again the first verses.

* Good Shepherd, You make well the ill and death is not the end for those who trust in You.

“Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!”

There is a cycle repeated here in Psalm 35.

David acknowledges the Lord, brings his antagonists to the Lord, asks the Lord to rebuke them, and then states his willingness to praise the Lord.

As God’s people we do and will have enemies. We will suffer for being followers of Jesus.

In 2 Timothy 3, Paul says,

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

David was feeling and experiencing this reality, shown in these Psalms. In good order he expresses the right reaction to being saved by God.

“Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD, exulting in his salvation.”

“I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.”

“Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.”

If the Lord has saved us (and He has saved His people indeed!) then let us tell of His righteousness all the day long!

* God of Love and Light,

Thank You for saving us, a people once lost, now found.

Thank You, Good Shepherd, for calling each of Your lambs – You know us by name!

Please save us Lord, and save those around us. Please break open hard hearts and put stubborn wills to flight.

Please show us Jesus today.

Amen.