Derek Smith
Lead Pastor
Psalm 52:8-9
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.
The story goes that when Abraham Lincoln was an attorney he was once approached by a man who passionately insisted on suing a man for $2.50. Lincoln tried to discourage him, but the man was bent on revenge. When he saw that the man would not be convinced, Lincoln agreed to take the case and asked for a legal fee of $10. The plaintiff gladly paid it, then Lincoln gave half the money to the defendant, who willingly confessed to the debt and paid the $2.50. The most ridiculous part of it all was the fact that the irate plaintiff was satisfied with it.
In Psalm 52 David is writing about one of his enemies, Doeg the Edomite. Doeg was a scoundrel of a man who tried to destroy David’s life by ratting him out to the wicked King Saul. Instead of getting revenge David takes it to the Lord in this declarative prayer. In this prayer David shows us how to address enemies in our lives. Revenge, retribution, and retaliation are never the right answer. David first decided to rest in the steadfast love of God. Secondly, he chose gratitude as his attitude. Thirdly, he chose to wait upon the Lord and let Him fight the battle on his behalf. When we trust in the love of God, choose gratitude over bitterness, and wait upon the Lord, we invite the blessing and anointing of God upon our lives. If God is for us, who can truly be against us?! God is the one who brings eternal charges against man, so if he’s dropped the charge of sin who is there to condemn us?! So, next time an attack comes, just turn your eyes to Jesus. Rest in His love and be grateful. Let Him fight the battle and you will win every single time.