The Lord is the Avenger of His People…

 

Plead my cause, O LORD, with those who strive with me;

Fight against those who fight against me.

Take hold of shield and buckler,

And stand up for my help.

Also draw out the spear,

And stop those who pursue me.

Say to my soul,

"I am your salvation."

Let those be put to shame and brought to dishonor

Who seek after my life;

Let those be turned back and brought to confusion

Who plot my hurt.

Let them be like chaff before the wind,

And let the angel of the LORD chase them.

Let their way be dark and slippery,

And let the angel of the LORD pursue them.

For without cause they have hidden their net for me in a pit,

Which they have dug without cause for my life.

Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly,

And let his net that he has hidden catch himself;

Into that very destruction let him fall.—Psalm 35:1-8

In a world where truth has fallen in the streets and evil and oppression seem to reign unchecked, reading the words of this psalm brought much hope and consolation to my heart. It is comforting for me to know that the battle is not mine but His. The Lord my God stands up for my help.  He is my salvation. The Lord is the Avenger of His people. His timing may not be our timing but it is always perfect. As believers in Jesus, He is on our side. He fights against those who fight against us. Read through verses 1 through 8.  Let these words of David sink down into your heart and fill it with courage. Our all powerful, all knowing , everywhere present God, fights for us. Blessed are the people He chooses as His own inheritance. Blessed are those who put their trust in Him!  His loyal, unfailing, kind, promise-keeping, covenant love belongs to them. They need not fear.  

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,

On those who hope in His mercy,

To deliver their soul from death,

And to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD;

He is our help and our shield.

For our heart shall rejoice in Him,

Because we have trusted in His holy name.

Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us,

Just as we hope in You.—Psalm 33:18-22

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us just as we hope in You. Your lovingkindness is always before our eyes!  Surround us with Your goodness on every side. May Your perfect love cast out each and every one of our fears.  LORD, by Your favor You have made our mountain stand strong.  

Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,

And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning.—Psalm 30:4-5

Thank you for the sustaining help and comfort your merciful lovingkindness brings to us in our time of need. Thank you that Your mercy is not shown in accordance to our merit but in accordance to the promise which You  have given us in Your word and according to the faith which You have, by Your gracious Spirit, worked in us.  Your steadfast love never ceases. All of Your promises are yes and amen in Your Son. 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.—Romans 8:28

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?—Romans 8:32

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

The LORD will give grace and glory;

No good thing will He withhold

From those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts,

Blessed is the man who trusts in You!—Psalm 84:11-12

But I have trusted in Your mercy;

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the LORD,

Because He has dealt bountifully with me.—Psalm 13:5

Return to your rest, O my soul,

For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.—Psalm 116:7

 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed

That I would see the goodness of the LORD

In the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD;

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the LORD!—Psalm 27:13-14