Good morning. Today’s Bible verses are Psalm 35:1,28: “Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me… And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long.”
Often, we face hardship and opposition for our faith, sometimes even from those we thought were friends. These experiences can cause deep emotional pain.
The psalmist finds himself in a similar precarious situation, threatened from within his own circle of friends and acquaintances. In Psalm 35, he describes how these individuals have set traps for him without just cause (v. 7), and how “fierce witnesses” rise up with unfounded accusations (v. 10). Those whom David once called colleagues have become his most vehement accusers, even rejoicing in his difficulties (v. 15).
Although David experiences significant distress and personal hardship, he knows that genuine hope is not found in friends, family, or associates, but in the Lord God (v. 28). His faith remains anchored in God’s promises, even when those closest to him betray him.
Dear brothers and sisters, the Apostle Paul, called by our risen Lord to lay the foundation of our faith in the Body of Christ, also faced such challenges. Many opposed him and found satisfaction in his hardships. Throughout every age, people have risen up against God and His people because of the sinfulness of their hearts; therefore, let us not be surprised by resistance as we continue to share the gospel of God’s grace.
We worship the same God as David and Paul. Just as they faced heartache and mental anguish, we also go through moments of spiritual doubt, emotional turmoil, and physical distress. This is a shared experience among all who follow God and trust in His promises. And, like David and Paul, we are called to keep our hearts focused on God and His promise of salvation.
Just as David looked forward to the coming Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises, and Paul held fast to the hope of salvation and sanctification through faith in the gospel of grace, we hold to the blessed hope of the soon return of Jesus Christ. We must not waver in our trust in the God who cannot lie.
The road may be difficult, filled with obstacles and dangers, but God will never leave us or forsake us. Therefore, take heart and actively declare your faith—let your words and actions show God's righteousness and offer His praise all day long, as David did: “And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long” (Psalm 35:28).
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ps 35:1, 28.
Reflection: When others let you down, focus on God's promises in Scripture. Through prayer, communicate your thoughts to the Holy Spirit, and take time to encourage others to find hope, as David did.