I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary. Do not drag me away with the wicked— with those who do evil— those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts. Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. They care nothing for what the Lord has done or for what his hands have made. So he will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt! Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. Save your people! Bless Israel, your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever.
Psalms 28:1-9 NLT
Opposition is part of life. David’s enemies flattered with their words yet plotted against him in their hearts (v.3). Success invites sabotage, and the more successful you are, the more critics you will have. This psalm shows a godly way to deal with opponents and critics. Rather than squashing them with your position of power, accept criticism while focusing on the Lord. Don’t let the criticism consume you.
The Lord is your rock. A large rock is something you can hide behind to keep you safe in times of danger. It is something you can stand on, secure in your footing. God is your rock. He is your shelter in the storm and your footing for life. In times of trouble, we tend to rely only on our own strength and run to others before we run to our Rock. Make a commitment today to turn to God first.
How is the Lord the Rock of your life? What can you learn and live from this psalm about dealing with opposition?
