Daily Nugget:
“Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. 3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.” Psalm 59:2-3
Readers of the Psalms notice there were many attempts on David’s life. The account in Psalm 59 references when King Saul’s spies were watching younger David for an opportunity to kill him. It refers to the attempt mentioned in I Samuel 19:11-21 where people, at least five times, were sent to keep their eye on David.
In verse three, we are made aware of something all Christians must be wary of today. Many are always watching us and how we live our lives.
David’s observers were watching him to kill him, but not because of something horrible he had done or for his “sin” (Psalm 59:3). Their eyes were on David because King Saul was jealous of the future leader’s success and popularity.
Many, especially in recent years, are angry and watching Christians, not for what the believers have done to them but for what people have falsely taught about Christ’s believers. The liberal media, government education, and those ignorant of what Christians believe have tainted the minds of those who do not know the truth about Christ-followers, God, and His Word.
A negative outlook on Christianity is growing throughout the world. The ungodly believe they want a society that can do whatever it wants. Their goal is to change the world to a global one where all live, think, and obey what a new government wants them to believe. They can only accomplish this by removing any mention, thought, or guilt about what God identifies as sin.
Today, many are attempting to create a society where none offend others when sin is committed. However, sinful behavior is still naturally known to be wrong by many. People are attempting to make the change by enforcing politically correct speech and forcing people to accept what many inherently know is immoral behavior.
Those involved in sin can attempt to change other’s behaviors, but they often harbor guiltiness over their sin. The only way those people can live with their gnawing guilt is to change or eliminate those whose behaviors remind them and point out their transgressions against God’s commandments. They would rather silence or eliminate the messenger rather than live righteously.
As in David’s case, when the King saw or thought of David, his sin of jealousy raged. David said nothing to aggravate the leader, but guiltiness still haunted Saul.
Those involved in unrighteousness often attempt to eliminate those who make them feel bad or disapprove of their lifestyle. Often, they try to silence those that remind them of their iniquities. However, the wages of sin will always reap havoc on those committing the offenses against God. They will not have peace until they are right with God and halt their sin.
King Saul could have avoided much bitterness and unhappiness if he had turned from his sin and gotten his iniquity right with God and David. All sinners can also miss having their lives ruined by sin if they get saved and have the Lord help them to halt their transgressions.
Today’s Thought:
“He was a fool who killed the watchdog because it alarmed him when thieves were breaking into his house. If conscience upbraids you, feel and heed its rebuke. It is your best friend.” — Spurgeon
Words to Understand:
Altaschith: “destroy not”
Michtam: a poem
Today’s Reading:
Psalm 59
1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.
2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
4 They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.
5 Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.
6 They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?
8 ¶ But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.
9 Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.
10 The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.
11 Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.
12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.
13 Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.
14 And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.
15 Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.
16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
Well stated, Sir. Our comfort and peace rests not on our nation’s “leaders” nor the false prophets in far too many pulpits of our “churches.” It rests solely in our relationship with God, through Christ…and the hope we have in the truth of the soon-to-come Rapture.
It is not coincidental what is happening to our God-inspired country; the Bible is clear in its prophecy of the “falling away” from God signifying the “end times.”
Come soon, Lord Jesus, come soon!!
I like the fact that David’s final responce to the evil being conspired against him was to praise God. To often I find in my life that I do too much complaining to God and not enough praising Him! Thank you for the devotions!