Whatever negative talk swirls around us, let’s speak well of the Lord, and know He speaks well of us.
Psalm 109 falls into three parts. The first section (vv 1-5) describes the wounds David had received at the lips of both cruel enemies and hurtful friends. The second section (vv 6-20) suggests 20 actions that might be taken by the Lord to avenge his cause. Remember that the Hebrew word goel can be translated as both “redeemer” and “avenger.” If you want to see Christ as God’s avenger, read 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. We noticed that some of these verses, at least, are linked to Judas Iscariot, the traitor. Now we come to the third section (vv 21-31) and the appeals David makes in seeking the Lord’s help. The shift is pronounced: “But You, O God the Lord, deal with me for Your name’s sake; because Your mercy is good, deliver me” (v 21). David feels he’s in desperate need for divine help after his ruthless treatment at the hands of sinners. Do you ever feel battered and bruised in your soul? “For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me” (v 22). Open arms are waiting to receive you! Do you feel your opportunities are slipping away, like an evening shadow as the sun sets (v 23)? Are you weak in the knees (v 24)? Ah, but “Your hand” is there, and when You come to my help, everyone will know “that You, Lord, have done it!” (v 27). David has borne the cursing of his adversaries; now he seeks the blessing of the Lord (v 28). At last the shadows on his soul flee away. Whatever anyone says about him, he has something to say about the Lord. “I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yes, I will praise Him among the multitude” (v 30). People say what they will against us. But we have an Advocate who always speaks for us. “For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those who condemn him” (v 31).