God My Defender

 

Contend, O Lord – Psalm 35

Dear Friends, there are times when opposition comes not because we have done wrong, but because we have sought to do what is right. Psalm 35 is David’s cry in just such a situation. He is surrounded by those who hate him without cause, who repay him evil for good, and who seek his ruin. In response, he turns to the only One who can truly defend him.

The psalm opens with a bold request: “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!” (Psalm 35:1 ESV). David does not take vengeance into his own hands. Instead, he asks the Lord to take up his case. He calls on God to be his shield and buckler, to draw the spear and javelin against his pursuers, and to say to his soul, “I am your salvation!”

David describes the malice of his enemies in vivid terms. They dig a pit for him, spread a net, and rejoice when he stumbles. Yet he has treated them with kindness. When they were sick, he prayed for them and mourned as though for a friend or brother. Their response is betrayal and false accusation. In the face of such injustice, David pours out his complaint before God and asks that his enemies be put to shame and confusion, while those who delight in his righteousness shout for joy and say, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!”

The heart of the psalm is trust. David knows that the Lord sees. He knows that God will not be silent forever. He commits his cause to the righteous Judge and looks forward to the day when he will give thanks in the great congregation and praise the Lord among the throng.

For the believer today, Psalm 35 is a reminder that we do not need to defend ourselves when we are wrongly attacked. We can bring our cause to the Lord, who contends for His people. We can ask Him to act in justice, while leaving the outcome in His hands. And even in the waiting, we can choose to rejoice in the God who is our salvation.

Pause & Pray: If you are facing opposition or injustice, bring it honestly before the Lord. Ask Him to contend for you. Release any desire for personal revenge, and ask for grace to trust His timing and His justice. Then thank Him that He is your defender and your salvation.

Verse to Remember: “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! … Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation!’” (Psalm 35:1, 3 ESV)

Question to Consider: When you face unfair treatment, do you more naturally try to defend yourself, or do you first bring the matter to the Lord and ask Him to contend for you?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church