Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from men of violence, 2 who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. 3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips. Selah
4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. 5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. Selah

6 O LORD, I say to you, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. 7 O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle-- 8 do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not=2 0let their plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah

As king of Israel, the Psalmist was ever conscious of his enemies. He ruled with the constant thought in mind of what was best for God’s people and not his personal good or gain. Therefore, when he prayed for the destruction of his enemies, it was not for his own good, ease or gain, it was for the betterment of God’s people. Even though he was known as a great warrior, he did not like fighting or battle. It was the role that God had given him and he did his best but he preferred peace. Today we often are called to do things that do not fit our personality or what we really like but we must heed the call of God in our lives and be true to him. Even Jesus begged not to die but submitted to the will of God by going to the cross on our behalf.

As the king of God’s people, he was always in a position of having personal enemies and those who were trying to destroy him. He forever trusted in God as his shield and for his strength. From his early days, even as a shepherd, he had depended on God to take care of him and deliver him from evil. As we go thru life we will be faced with all kinds of problems and difficulties that will seem like the world is out to get us. There may be times that there are people who actually want to harm us or who seek to make our lives difficult. It is during these difficult times that we, like Jesus, must “entrust ourselves to him who judges righteously”, knowing that God will be present to be our shield and to give us strength.

O Lord God, please give me the faith to know that you are always present in my life. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may always have your peace in my heart. Help me each day to make a renewed commitment to be more like you and to allow you to work this change in my nature and my life. Fill me with your love so that I may love others and forgive them, even as you have forgiven me. I pray in Jesus name.

May God bless each of us as we live for him in total trust.