What do we do with our feelings of anger and disbelief when we have been treated unkindly for our kindness? How are we suppose to reconcile all of hurt and pain that comes with being betrayed? Many would say that we must forgive, and I agree. However, we are human beings not human light switches. When we skip over processing the grief of being treated as less than to “do the right thing” by forgiving, are we faking it? Is it genuine? Where did all the pressure and soreness go from being stabbed in the heart? Wouldn’t it then come out sideways like a puss pocket exploding from an infection that didn’t get taken care of? It is uncomfortable to deal with our own hurt and the hurt of others. But we can’t expect others or ourselves to just get over it because it makes us uncomfortable.

If you haven’t read Psalm 109 before I encourage you to do so. Right smack in the middle of it David prays to God in a way that made me uncomfortable. I even stopped, swallowed hard, and said, “Good Lord! Man this is rough!” At first, I thought this is harsh but as I processed I remember that God called David a man after his own heart. David prayed every thing back to God, even his anger and hurt.

Here’s the scenerio:

Psalm 109:4-5 In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.

Someone close has turned on him and tore their friendship apart. They have become his enemy.

THAT IS HURTFUL! In verses 6-20 David launches a full out prayer assault and it is uncomfortable to read. But what it so beautiful about it is that David knows where he can place these kinds of thoughts and feelings about what happened. He can place them in the hands of the Father.

Romans 8:31b  If God is for us, who can be against us?

At the end of this psalm, David says, “Out of the goodness of your love, deliver me…my heart is wounded within me…save me according to your unfailing love.

He knows where to put his hurt and he knows who he is putting his trust in.

Father, my God, whom I praise, do not remain silent when my enemy comes against me. When they open their mouths against me and speak lies about me. Do not allow my enemies to get away with attacking me without cause. I will be a woman of prayer. I will not take things into my own hands. Oppose those who oppose me. Cut off their way before them. When they hound to death the hurting and broken bring their words back upon them. Let the things they say dig a pit for their feet. When they try to sling and shoot arrows wrap a cloak around them and tie it with a belt. Make them ineffective in their plans and devices. You help us, for your name sake, out of your goodness and love, you deliver us. We are poor and needy. Our hearts wounded by the words and actions of others. Help us Lord. Save us according to your unfailing love. I praise you Lord. You stand with the needy and save them from those who condemn. Help us not to be those who use our mouths and actions in these ways. I repent of any action I have taken against another. Save me from myself.

Do you need to repent of taking matters into your own hands? What is possible if you prayed your heart out to God and left those who speak against you in his hands? Can you see the power in doing that?

Thanks for Listening,

Starla