Inspired by Psalm 35:1-10
“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler, and rise up to help me! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’” Psalm 35:1-3
Even the most faithful among us will be treated poorly by someone. No amount of turning the other cheek or meeting hatred with kindness will turn away the attacks or insults of some person or persons who, for some reason known only to them, wish to do us harm. Being faithful in the Lord will not prevent that from happening.
But we are not left alone to face it. The psalms show us that not only is it OK to call out to the Lord for help, but it is reasonable to expect that we will receive it. Perhaps God won’t literally pick up the weapons of war to physically fight at our side, but he may work through other people to come to our aid, or he might grant us greater measures of patience, kindness, and other virtues with which to counter the hostility that is directed at us.
However he chooses to help us, when we are faithful to the Lord, he will support us in our faithfulness. When we are faithful to the Lord, we know that more than any weapon or shield, God is our salvation.
Let us pray. Faithful God, you have called us to proclaim your will and advocate for your ways. Help us in our struggle to fulfill that call, that we may be living examples of your righteousness. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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