Psalm 64-65

“Hide me from the plots of this evil mob, from this gang of wrongdoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows.” (Psalm 64:2–3, NLT)

So many of David’s psalms addressed his concerns about his enemies. It seems that there were always people plotting wicked schemes against him. If they were not overt, deadly attacks, then they were backbiting conspiracies designed to tarnish David’s reputation. David penned Psalm 64 as a prayer that God would preserve him from the dread of his enemies. This is a good prayer for us to personalize whenever we are afraid of what others may say or do against us.

David often took refuge in the fortress of God when the arrows started flying.

“You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man. You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” (Psalm 31:20, NKJV)

Are people attacking you with insults and accusations? Are they whispering derogatory things about you behind your back and poisoning others? Are they keeping a record of your offenses and telling others rather than you? These things try our patience and test our mettle as Christians. But the truth is that Christ endured such wicked words against Him, and we are called to take part in the fellowship of His suffering. We just want to make sure that we are truly suffering for righteousness’ sake and not because of our own foolish behavior.

“If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” (1 Peter 4:14, NLT)

If we are doing what is right and others speak evil against us, then we should rejoice because the Holy Spirit rests upon us, and we will be blessed.

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11–12, NKJV)

None of us enjoy hearing bitter or critical words against us. But if we trust in the LORD and pray, then He will hide us in His protective pavilion from the strife of tongues. And soon He will reward us openly in heaven.