Declare Me Righteous

When I was a child, there were some things that children told each other on the playground. When a child was hurt by the unkind words of a classmate, we would often hear this quote, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me” It’s a great quote but a big lie. Often, the child standing repeating these words, was hurting inside.

It’s so interesting, that the same things we heard as children, sometimes we repeat as adults.  But I hope as adults we are wise enough not to believe that words have no power. In Genesis 1, God created the entire universe with the words of His mouth. So we would be foolish to believe that words cannot harm us.

How many times have untrue words been used to discredit an individual and when the truth was revealed, the wounds of those untrue words remained. Words have the ability to heal and hurt. If you are the victim of irresponsible words that cause you harm, you can take the matter to court. What is the rule as it pertains to irresponsible words? Well simply put, defamation is making false statements and presenting them as truth

In Psalm 7, David had a problem with defamation. Cush, the Benjamite, made some incorrect statements about David and presented them as truth. David was the victim of slander. Sometimes people think it’s not a big deal but slander can be a real problem. It can damage someone’s reputation. David did not go looking for Cush so he could give him a piece of his mind. No! David took the matter to God in prayer.

David understood that it’s difficult to undo the damage of slander. Even though the statements are false, there are many who would continue to believe what was said. In verse 1 David pleaded, “I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!” David needed help and the only person who could give him real help was God.

In our world, there are many options available to the victims of irresponsible words. The law has options for the injured party, however there is no guarantee that you will find the resolution you seek. The person with the larger bank account has the advantage. But when you seek God’s help, He is able to do what man cannot do.

David’s language in this Psalm points to his desperation. Verse 2 says, “If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me.” David knew how destructive the lion could be when it catches a defenseless lamb in its paw. When a lioness has a new litter, she can have between two to four cubs. For the first six weeks of their lives, they are hidden and the lioness hunts to feed her young.  So she will tear up the animal into bits to feed her cubs.

Sometimes the enemy comes into your life with that same purpose in mind, to tear you and your potential into bits. He will use those you least expect to say things that are false and present them as true. David didn’t sit and cry, in verse 8 he prayed, ”Declare me righteous, O Lord, for I am innocent, O Most High!” David’s issue was slander. Your issue might be different but the process is the same. When life is overwhelming, when the enemy wants to consume you, go to God.

His enemy had plans for him but God delivered David. The same pit the enemy dug for David, he fell into it. When life gets tough and you feel like the lamb who the lion desires to devour for dinner, trust God. I don’t know how long it took, but God answered David’s prayer. In verse 17 he said, “I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” God delivers those who trust in Him.