David seems a little more self-critical in this psalm than the previous. In fact, of all the psalms where David demands for God to act against his enemies, this psalm may be the most self-reflective. David wonders in this psalm whether or not he has acted in a way to deserve the punishment he was receiving. Certainly, this psalm has many words that we don't normally pray. I haven't heard a prayer given in a long time that refers to God's wrath being expressed every day, or the flaming darts of God. Yet this psalm speaks to a longing that is deep within our souls- the need for peace.
"Bring to an end the violence of the wicked" (Psalm 7:9). We tire of bad news, of hostilities breaking out, and we don't even live in a warzone. We don't live in fear that our children are going to be taken and brainwashed into becoming child soldiers. We don't worry about being at Meijer's while it is being attacked by enemy raiders. We live comfortably, yet we still face the violence of the wicked all of the time. Men, women and children live every day under the constant threat of abuse and violence (at staggering rates). And as we live in a place of unspeakable violence hidden by doors and walls, we realize that we might be driving the person who will cure cancer out of school because we tell the child that he or she is stupid or worthless.
Yes, Lord, bring to an end the violence of the wicked. Examine my heart and find the ways I do violence to You, the people around me, and even the violence I do to myself. Release us all from the bonds to violence, so that we might know Your peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment