Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from those who work evil; from the bloodthirsty save me. Even now they lie in wait for my life; the mighty stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD, for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Rouse yourself, come to my help and see! You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel. Awake to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. There they are, bellowing with their mouths, with sharp words on their lips—for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?” But you laugh at them, O LORD; you hold all the nations in derision. O my strength, I will watch for you; for you, O God, are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me; my God will let me look in triumph on my enemies. Do not kill them, or my people may forget; make them totter by your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield. For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter, consume them in wrath; consume them until they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city. They roam about for food, and growl if they do not get their fill. But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love. (Psalm 59, NRSV)
Have you ever had someone or something lie in wait for you?
You know this when it happens. The attack is swift and seamless and you wonder afterwards what in the world happened, and where that train came from that just ran you over…
We sometimes have no idea it is coming and other times we do.
God! Deliver me from my enemies! Be with me and help me to follow you and not seek retribution, but help me to trust in you!
Your steadfast love will carry me and cover me. You will be my fortress.
Help me to know that even when my foes lie in wait, you will deliver me from the hands of those who mean me harm and use me for good, if I but trust in you.
God be my refuge and strength! My very present help and shelter!
aSacredRebel 