On Psalm 35
Is it wrong to pray against others? David seems to think so. Psalm 35 is split between why David asks God to fight against his enemies and David’s cry for help to a Great God. Psalm 35 starts with David asking God to “fight against those who fight against me [him]”(Psalm 35:1). You might be in a situation where people around are actively pursuing you for your life, your job, your marriage, or even your integrity. In that case, we should pray that God will fight against those who are fighting against us. However, we must take notice of David’s posture. I believe David’s posture is key to asking God to fight for us and against someone else. Verses 13-14 gives insight into the heart of David. David says that when his enemies were sick he mourned, fasted, prayed, and grieved for them “as one who laments his mother”. Really what David is saying is that he loved the people who are now against him and who ridiculed him (verses 15-16).
How does David respond to the ridicule? He asks the Lord to take up the battle for him. Even greater, while David asks this of God he says “I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you” (Psalm 35:18). David essentially says when he is facing a threat of physical harm he will praise God. Can you say that where you are at? Can you say that you will praise God in your situation? Are you able to look past your temporal struggle or even physical harm and toward an eternal God? In Romans 8:18 Paul proclaims “that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Whatever it is, know this, IT ISN'T WORTH COMPARING TO YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN. David knew this too! Do you? Do you know that this earth will pass away but God’s word will never pass away (Mark 13:31)?
It is here when we have a right view of the world around us and the cross before us, are we able to sing right praises to God as David did in Psalm 35:27, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Indeed, David, great is our God and great is His faithfulness! Amen and Hallelujah!
Therefore, have confidence that whatever or whoever is pursuing you, whatever struggle, whatever hardship will pass away and it is not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in heaven. So, press toward the mark and run the race laid before you!
Lastly, I want to leave you with a verse that settled my heart when I recently lost my job and everything in my life was uncertain. Psalm 37:3-4 encourages us to...
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
In shorthand;
Trust God where you're at - He is sovereign (Romans 8:28)
Wherever you are at, stay there and be faithful (consistent) - The Lord rewards the faithful (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Commit to loving God only - Nothing else matters except Him anyway (1 Corinthians 10:31)