I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. 2 Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. 3 What will he do to you, and what more besides, O deceitful tongue? 4 He will punish you with a warrior's sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom tree. 5 Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! 6 Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. 7 I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

When we think of King David, we normally think of a highly respected and loved leader living in his palace. We think of one who as a lad killed the giant or the young shepherd boy tending his sheep. While he was a “man of peace” there are few who have conducted and fought in more wars than this man. With God’s power, David conquered the world and ruled over it. Yet, there are few, if any, who were as mistreated, lied about, slandered, hate d, hunted for slaughter and suffered more than David. David loved God, his word and his righteousness. He tried every way possible to appropriate this into his life. He trusted God to take care of him. In this Psalm, when he is being lied about and slandered by others, he turns to God for his help and for revenge. He was in a position to kill the perpetrator and get away with it but instead turned to God in prayer. David loved peace and wanted others to live in peace. He wanted what was right and best for all those who lived in his kingdom. Yet, because of other’s jealousy, he was often at odds with them. It was because he was so determined to do the will of God that many of these things came upon him. He did not become embittered toward God or his enemies, he just trusted God to help him cope. There are times today when we, in spite of our best efforts, are at odds with others. Let us first determine that we are seeking peace and doing all we can to follow the will of God. This being settled, let us trust God to take care of the results. Instead of turning to slander, gossip, hard feelings and bitterness, self-pity or despondency, let us turn to God in prayer. Like David, we need to always praise God and give him thanks for his faithfulness. We must live for him and follow his will. Then we can know the true peace that he alone gives.

O Lord God, redeemer and father, help me to seek peace and pursue it. Help me to be at peace with all men, when it depends on me. When I face problems in my life, help me to trust you and not seek revenge toward anyone. Keep me from bitterness, self-pity and hatefulness. Help me to love even my enemies, as you loved me while I was your enemy. Help me to forgive when it is not deserved, even as you forgive me when I don’t deserve it. Please give wisdom to the leaders of our country. In Jesus name I pray.

May God bless each of us with peace as we trust and live for him.