Read Psalms 52
Highlights:
Corrupt tendency of the tongue; thoughts of a fool; psalmist's trust in God; prayer for deliverance.
And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. . . . For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the House of God in company (Ps. 55:6,12-14).
David had experienced brokenheartedness because of the revolt and rebellion of his own son, Absalom, who had turned the people's hearts against his father and declared himself king. David probably was then not too surprised to discover that some of his friends also deceived him. When he discovered that Ahithophel, his most trusted adviser, not only had joined Absalom but had asked to personally execute him, David was shaken with grief. He expressed his deep disappointment in the hypocrisy and treachery of this one he called mine equal, my guide. Jesus also warned His disciples: If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you (John 15:18). He went on to say: And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death (Luke 21:16).
David's first reaction was a cry of helpless desperation. Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. But David did not have wings like a dove, and he could not fly away; even if he could, there would have been no rest in doing so. Instead, he committed his problem to the Lord and trusted in Him. He had assurance that his God was able to sustain him in every trial and to accomplish His purpose for his life. Therefore, he included in his prayer, an encouragement to all of us by saying: Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved (Ps. 55:23).
Since we are the Lord's servants, we should not be greatly surprised when we are disappointed, deceived, or even betrayed by others because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet. 5:8).
If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you . . . all these things will they do unto you for My Name's sake, because they know not Him that sent Me (John 15:20-21).
Thought for Today:
To be a servant of our Lord is the highest honor on earth.
Christ Revealed:
As the One who saves those who will call on Him (Ps. 55:16-17). And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21; also Rom. 10:13).
Word Studies:
53:3 filthy, corrupt; 55:4 sore, grievously; 55:9 divide their tongues, bring confusion to their counsel; 59:10 prevent, go before.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Government Official: Rep. Sam Farr (CA) • Country: Lesotho (2 million) within the east-central part of the Republic of South Africa • Major languages: Sesotho and English • Limited religious freedom • 43% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 6% ancestor worship, divination, and spirit-possession cults • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to the Lord with sincere lips (Ps. 17:1).
Optional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 22:12