Psalm 64
Introduction
Another Psalm of David that some consider a lament. I will not argue with that thought, but I see it more like Ps 46, a victory song that is very much aware of needing God’s blessing to obtain the victory that will come through God’s providential working were the enemy’s plans become the power of their own demise.
In these tumultuous times of volatile political environments worldwide that are colored with convert hostility often taking the hew of slander and malicious accusations along with pernicious plots behind accommodating promises like city run grocery stores. To use contemporary imagery, David depicts the enemies as covert snipers who attempt to take out their opponents with verbal dum-dum bullets. Two occasions come to mind for this Psalm. One if them is under the reign of Saul when David was slandered and forced to flee his homeland, take refuge with sometimes enemies, and hide in caves (1 Sam 19-27). The second occasion was under the coupof Absolum (2 Sam 15-17) when some of his heretofore trust allies turned against him.
Pew Dwellers and Politian’s Often Look Alike
Unfortunately, the likes of Absolom and the Ahithophel inhabit pews and elder boards. Sometimes the Bible study of a group of senior women where one gets upset with the pastor and soon has her coup operating.
Proper Laments Progress
So, yes, we may consider it a lament, and if we do, it should instruct us not to linger in the lamenting, as all too often folks seem to do turning a lament into a pity party of victimhood. David teaches us to calm our hearts with the assurance of victory. Rather reminds me of Romans 12:18-21 where we are taught to leave the vengeance to God and meanwhile overcome evil with good.
I. The Psalmist’s Request 64:1-6
A. Hear my complaint 1a
B. Protect me from the threat 1b
He recognizes that to be fearful of liars is already giving them the
advantage.
C. Protect me from their scheming plans 2
1.Those liars who discredit—3
2. Those who ambush the unsuspecting—4
3. Those who collude to do me evil–5
4.Those are confident with their cunning evil 6
II. Psalmist’s Confidence 7-10
A. God will take them out 7
B. Their lies will return upon them 8
C. Other people will see them for what they are 9
D. Righteous will be encouraged 10
Conclusion
The Apostle Paul agrees with David. He writes in Romans8:37 to assure believers that they “are more than conquerors.” By the grace of God, we have conquered sin and death by becoming the sons of God (1 John 3:1-2, 2 Cor 6:18) believers have already experienced the death of death and phase on of the resurrection unto life to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:1-5), and thinking of more than overcomers, consider 1 John 3:2, “When we see Him we shall be as He is”.
Implementation
First, take heart when you are the object those who devise evil against you. God is very much aware, and they will be held responsible (Matt 12:36-37).
Second, because you know this truth and have this confidence, overcome evil with God. To do so means you (we) must right our thinking just like David teaches us in the last three verses of this Psalm. Yes, we may suffer, but then we should not be surprised, and we should be encouraged (even while it hurts) that we are joining Paul in filling up the affinitions of Jesus (Col. 1:24). Does it mean we should like suffering? No way Hosea! So, what do we do? We rejoice as did Paul that we have been counted worthy to suffer with Him (Acts 5:41).
Third, like David, take the occasion of your (our) suffering to encourages others to review and rejoice in this truth and live with confidence that God keeps the books and balances the scales (1 Sam 2:3), Danield 5:27).
