Getting What You Deserve

(Psa 56:1 KJV)  To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

(Proverbs 10 also read)

This Psalm spoke to me today.  As I read through it I found different versions of being “swallowed” (trampled NASB) (7602b).  I had no fear of physical danger.  The attacks were all verbal but they cut deep.  Maybe I was just being oversensitive.  Maybe I misinterpreted what I was hearing.  What makes these things cut deep is my conviction that I deserve to be talked to this way.

This is where God being “merciful” (gracious NASB) (2603a) is so important.  Eventually I turn to Him and allow Him to interpret what I am hearing.  Through His filter I am able to separate the hostility from the facts.  Usually there are few facts involved and there is little I can do except take the admonition of Jesus and turn the other cheek.

And of course there are the few things that are valid.  Those need to be considered and I can do that when God helps me to respond in love instead of react in pain.

So?  We will be attacked.  Usually it is mostly undeserved.  Turn to Him and let Him help you sort it out and get on to positive living.