Psalm 119 has a lot in it for survivors of abuse
Here are some gems from Psalm 119
53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.
69-70 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.84-88 How long must your servant endure?
When will you judge those who persecute me?
The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
they do not live according to your law.
All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
In your steadfast love give me life,
that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.94-95 I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.104 Through your precepts I get understanding;
therefore I hate every false way.113I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.118-119 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.129-130 Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.150-151 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
But you are near, O LORD,
and all your commandments are true.155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
Share this:
- Posted in: Christianity
- Tagged: anger, hope, justice, Psalms, vindication
JUst tickin’ the clock
Two, 2 word, cries or screams, “help me” and “save me”. Only God knows how many times God has heard those cries/screams. God’s timing is not my timing, but through the willingness of people and moving of events, God has helped me, God has saved me. I now live in freedom. I love what ‘freedom’ looks and smells and feels like. Still, it is a daily choice, to stand firm in who I am discovering myself to be. And still, God continues to help and save me. But I don’t scream in desperation, and plead for help because I think I’ll lose my mind, any more.
Here, Here, where is my Gavel?
These are great words with much power. I love them all.
69-70 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
their heart is unfeeling like fat, ( seared conscience)
but I delight in your law.
78 Let the insolent be put to shame,
because they have wronged me with falsehood;
as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
The “Shame” belongs on the evil doer.
Amen. Thank you for this.
“They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose”
Yes, the pretense of him being “nice” and caring is a disguise to further his hidden agenda against me.
The verse that leaped out at me recently was this one:
“Put false ways far away from me, and graciously teach me your law!” Ps 119:29
False ways include notions that are false – for example, that God prioritizes marriage over souls, that husbands are entitled by their godly calling to have superior status in the home, that an abuser will change if the spouse changes, that both parties are responsible for marital abuse, etc. Falsehoods also include the beliefs and worldview of abusers, e.g. that we can’t think for ourselves, that we are at fault, that they are the real victims of our abuse, etc.
I not only have a right to resist such notions, it is Biblical for me to beseech God to help me do this because God hates falsehoods.
Amen.