How Do You Respond When You’re Attacked? (Psalms 52-54)
Do you feel attacked or misunderstood? Psalm 54 shows us that when others come against us, God invites us to trust him and respond with praise.
Psalms 52-54
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Are you in a position where you feel attacked by someone?
This was a situation David found himself in time and time again, especially in Psalm 54. The setting for this psalm can be found in 1 Samuel 23:19–29 “when the Ziphites informed Saul that David and his men were hiding in their territory and promised to turn him over to Saul.”[1] For most of his adult life, David has those who want to see him dead, and they are ruthless in their attacks. Gerald Wilson writes,
Without regard for God. The attackers are not only strangers to covenant relationship and particularly ruthless; they also live with no regard for God. Like the “fool” in Psalm 53, these enemies refuse to acknowledge the authority of God over their lives. The phrase translated “without regard for God” is more literally rendered “they do not set God before them.” The picture is akin to that of following a trailblazing guide—setting that person in front and keeping one’s eyes fixed on that leader in order to know the right way. These attackers refuse to keep their eyes on God but seek to follow their own ruthless devices.[2]
Because David is experiencing this attack, others would be tempted to judge. In a time when many believed suffering to be a punishment from God, “the psalmist’s troubles would therefore be taken as evidence of his sinfulness.”[3] But as was the theme of his life, whenever fears of attacks from others surfaced, David turned to God. In verses 1-2 he says, 1 “God, save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might! 2 God, hear my prayer; listen to the words from my mouth.”
In this context God’s “name” is synonymous with his “might” (geburah), as indicated by the parallel positions of the two phrases “by your name” and “by your might” in 54:1. For the Israelites, the name reveals the essential character and nature of the bearer; thus, with respect to God, the name reveals the power and authority of God himself. It is through the power and authority to which the name points that he acts to deliver and to judge.[4]
David goes on to note that God is the helper and sustainer of his soul. Rather than fret, David praises. This serves as a model for us today. Often, when others attack us, our initial response is to lash out and strike back. But David shows us a better path. When we’re attacked, the proper response is to bring our pain to God and praise him for the deliverance he will give us.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Father, with humble gratitude, I lift my voice in praise, acknowledging the boundless compassion surrounding me and embracing me in moments of darkness and light alike. I find refuge in the depths of your unfailing love.
Release | I surrender the weight of my worries and fears, casting them into the vast expanse of your mercy, releasing their hold on my heart and mind, allowing your grace to wash over me and cleanse me of doubt and despair.
Ask | Give me the strength to face the challenges that lie ahead, wisdom to discern the intricacies of life's journey, courage to stand firm in the face of adversity, and perseverance to walk steadfastly in the path you have laid before me.
Yield | In humble surrender, I yield my will to yours, trusting in your unwavering love and guidance to lead me through the trials and triumphs that await, knowing that your presence will always be my anchor in the storms of life.
