Psalm 140-141

“Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah” (Psalm 140:4–5, ESV)

We have all been watching with horror and grief as events are unfolding in Israel. As the death and hostage counts climb, more people are becoming aware of loved ones who are dead, missing or in hiding. We realize that we live in an evil world where some people delight in destroying the lives of others. This is nothing new. David dealt with the same outbursts of violence in his day. But David knew something that not everyone knows: the LORD was his strength, his guard and his deliverer.

David had many enemies who were constantly plotting how they could trap or kill him. Those who are in leadership always draw more fire from antagonists. When the wicked attack and spread a net for our feet, what shall we do?

I do believe that we should always do our best to take precautions. I lock my door at night. We keep a gun in our home. I would not hesitate to do whatever I needed to do to protect my loved ones. But after we have done everything we can, we must trust in the LORD with all our hearts. This begins with prayer for God’s protection.

“I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!” (Psalm 140:6, ESV)

Fortunately, as children of God we can rest assured that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. He listens to our cries for mercy. This is why it is so important to cry out to Him day and night when we are in dangerous situations.

“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted and will execute justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.” (Psalm 140:12–13, ESV)

David had been in many situations where he was a hairsbreadth away from death. But the LORD delivered him from all these because David loved God and kept His commandments.

Does that mean God will always deliver His people from violence? Sadly, no. We still live in an evil world, and God does not always spare us from the plots of the wicked. But we have every right to ask and keep on asking for God’s miraculous intervention. Let us do that now for our friends in Israel and not let up!