Psalm 109:1-15: I Am Prayer
Psalm 109:1-15: I Am Prayer
Verse 4: "In return for my love they are my accusers, but I give myself to prayer."
Reflection:
The Psalmist is a person overwhelmed with injustice, anger, and bitter grievance. He beats his chest and cries out to heaven in anguish. He brings his complaints before God, urgently pleading for divine intervention rather than silence.
The writer pours out harsh curses against those who have wronged him - words that make us uncomfortable to hear:
• Let wicked men rule over them
• Let Satan stand at their right hand
• Let them be found guilty in judgment
• Let their prayers become sin
• Let their days be few
• Let another take their position
• Let their children become fatherless
• Let their wives become widows
• Let their children wander and beg
• Let creditors seize all they own
• Let strangers plunder their labor
• Let no one extend kindness to them
...
While we don't know the depth of wounds and unbearable pain the Psalmist endured, his list of curses startles us. None of us would likely voice such prayers of cursing. We would hesitate to even speak such words, let alone harbor such thoughts in our hearts.
But are these curses truly reflecting the Psalmist's heart?
"In return for my love they are my accusers, but I give myself to prayer" (verse 4).
The Psalmist reveals that he loved those who tormented him. Yet they responded with increasing hostility and wickedness. Faced with this painful situation, all he can do is pray. He leans on God, bringing his raw emotions before the Lord.
Forgiveness can only be given to those who seek it. Even when we're ready to forgive, we cannot extend it to those who don't ask for it. The Psalmist seems prepared to forgive. His outpouring of curses perhaps reveals not his true wishes, but rather the magnitude of his pain. These harsh words serve as a measure of his deep suffering.
He prays. He prays with the same heart that once loved them. He prays that they might seek forgiveness and turn from evil to good...
Prayer: Gracious God, we know how difficult forgiveness can be. Grant us hearts ready to forgive those who seek forgiveness, and help us develop hearts of forgiveness greater than the measure of our pain. Holy Spirit, guide us in truth.