Psalm 43…“Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people; from those who are deceitful and unjust deliver me! vs. 1
It almost sounds as though the psalmist were running for election and had discovered that his opponents were unleashing a barrage of well-funded attack ads at the last minute, ads that were both deceitful and unjust. Of course there were no elections during the time of the psalmist but his words are a reminder that ungodly and untruthful people have been around for a long time. Prophets like Micah and Jeremiah were particularly aware of them and had to fight off their hateful campaigns through their entire ministries.
Sometimes we wonder how folks can come up with such malicious garbage as we now see daily even during our favorite television programs. Surely they can’t believe that the charges they make are true! Or maybe they think that truth doesn’t matter, that anything goes in a political campaign. The only thing important is that their candidate wins the election.
The psalmist responded to the attacks against him by praying to God for vindication, and perhaps he even prayed for those who were making the attacks. If he did, it would be admirable. Because even though Jesus advised his followers to pray for their enemies, there aren’t many people who have the faith and conviction to actually do this. And this is particularly true at times like this, election moments when the gloves come off and everyone feels an urge to be nasty.
Thought for the Day: When do I pray for my enemies?
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