"Quiet confidence in the face of slander" by Diane Webb

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“Quiet confidence in the face of slander” (by Diane Webb)

Psalms 7:  1

“O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust; save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me.”

Most scholars agree this psalm was written by David during the time of his persecution by Saul (the King).  During this period many of Saul’s relatives were slandering David to Saul and, unfortunately, Saul believed the lies.  David, however, is assured of the eventual overthrow of those who are enemies of God--those who try to interfere in God’s plan.  Therefore, David’s psalm, in the face of being maligned to the King he has so loyally served, is full of joy and confidence.  How many of us would have this reaction to being intentionally lied about to an important person of authority, especially if the lies were believed and could result in losing a job or an important relationship?  How much time would we spend in trying to defend ourselves or prove our innocence?  If unsuccessful, would we then feel sorry for ourselves, pout, file lawsuits, and continue the fight to “clear our name”?  David provides us with a valuable truth.  God is the only Judge we need to be concerned with.  We need to all submit our petitions to God and God alone and trust he will deliver us from those who persecute us.  God has the power to deliver us from slander.  Slander includes gossip, rumors, back-biting, spreading tales—whatever you chose to call it and is common today as it was in Saul’s reign.  It goes on in churches, in families, and in work settings.  Picture going to work one day and getting a termination letter based on untruths told by jealous co-workers.  Imagine a friend telling you to never call them again because they believed a rumor.  Think of a relative breaking all ties with you because of vicious gossip.  As upsetting as all of these would be none compare to what David faced.  Because Saul believed the lies told about David, David’s life was in danger.  Eventually he had to flee and hide out in a cave for many years.  He lost his home, his best friend, his wife, and seemingly his future.  But David had his priorities straight and he placed all his faith in God.  He knew his life was ultimately in the hands of God not Saul.  It must have been very hurtful for David to experience Saul’s mistrust and anger since it was completely unjustified.  After all, David was a young boy when he became part of Saul’s household.  He fought Goliath for Saul’s army, he played the harp when Saul needed soothing, he married Saul’s daughter, and he left his own family as a young boy to serve in Saul’s household.  It’s a betrayal far greater than what we experience when a mere acquaintance believes falsehoods about us.  Most of the times we get upset about what others are saying about us and it involves people who really are not that important to our future.  Certainly our life is rarely in danger due to falsehoods.  The challenge here is to let God fight your battles and not to waste a lot of time or energy running around to defend yourself when people spread false rumors, lies, and gossip.  The mark of confidence in Christ is to stand before those of authority with the assurance God will deliver you in the end.  The truth does have a way of rising to the surface over time and if it doesn’t then God must have a reason for allowing it.  We can all learn from David who, in spite of the injustice, stood firm in his faith and trusted God to deliver him from his persecutors.

Dear Lord, I pray this day, for the confidence and trust of David.  Help me Lord to depend on you to defend me from those who persecute me.   Help me Lord be strong in the face of enemies and to believe in your justice and give you authority in my life.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen