PSALM 41

[Psa 41:4-10 NKJV] 4 I said, “LORD, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.” 5 My enemies speak evil of me: “When will he die, and his name perish?” 6 And if he comes to see [me], he speaks lies; His heart gathers iniquity to itself; [When] he goes out, he tells [it]. 7 All who hate me whisper together against me; Against me they devise my hurt. 8 “An evil disease,” [they say], “clings to him. And [now] that he lies down, he will rise up no more.” 9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up [his] heel against me. 10 But You, O LORD, be merciful to me, and raise me up, That I may repay them.

PSALM 41:4-10

BETRAYED BY A FRIEND BUT BLESSED BY THE LORD

I chose to meditate on the middle of this Psalm this morning. I emboldened a few words to help us notice that this section of the Psalm begins and ends with a plea to the LORD for mercy. David knows that God’s mercy would heal his affliction because David’s SIN is the CAUSE of the affliction. His soul is sick for what He has done.

We note in verses five through eight that David apparently has developed some frenemies. Being in a position of power there are some who perhaps see this sickness as his demise and they are plotting how to used if for their political gain. They have labeled this sickness a “wicked” disease. They are the kind of folks who love misery. They visit David only when something bad happens. David is wise enough to know that their visit isn’t about their interest in his well being, but they are plotting his downfall. They are really just seeking to ruin his reputation.

In verse nine, David notes the betrayal of a friend. Someone he thought was a close ally has turned against him and talked behind his back. Too often in Christian circles there are those who seem to be more like Judas than Jesus. They sense a weakness or sin in someone and rather than caring for that individuals restoration they harm them with malicious gossip. We shouldn’t shoot our own wounded like that. We’re not sinning less than the ones we are condemning.

As a king, David was in a unique position to execute vengeance. His vengeance wouldn’t be personal, but corporate. He was in the position of being king and the sins of his frenemies were tantamount to treason. For the sake of the nation, he would have to address their grievous behavior. There are times where individuals need to face Justice. 

We should note one thing for sure. Our words matter. We are accountable for the words we speak. In the case of David’s frenemies, their words were treason as they attempted to undermine the throne. Too many times those who bare the name of Christ have let bitter hearts speak ugly words. We should note that we will give an account to the Lord for the things we have done and said.

PRAYER

Father, We all stand today in need of your mercy. We are all sinners. We are grateful that you meet us in our affliction. We are grateful that you see fit to meet us in our neediest moments. We pray that you would guard our hearts from bitterness. Keep our lips from uttering lies or falsehoods. Let us not delight in the downfall of others. Keep us from that sort of pride. We seek for your kingdom to come and your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.