Psalm 119:69
The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts. Psalm 119:69
Being able to say this verse to God shows how much heart change has taken place in the life of the psalmist. In his life, the psalmist was familiar with rough individuals. He was surrounded by men who were not virtuous in their dealings. He knew insolence from innocence.
“The insolent…” A quick web search on the definition of the word “insolent” came back with: “proud, disrespectful or arrogant specifically towards the Lord.” Earlier in the life of the psalmist, this exact negative quality may have characterized him.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
— Ephesians 2:1-3 ESV
“…smear me with lies…” To add to the arrogance and disrespect of the insolent, the psalmist is experiencing slander and lies from them. He is experiencing unjust treatment by others based on untruth.
“Blessed are you when others revile you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12 ESV
“…with my whole heart…” The psalmist knows that his outward behavior is not enough to battle this indignation and slander from the insolent. He knows his heart needs to be right before God. He understands that moralism is not adequate, but a heart of grace is needed to confront unjust actions.
I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. – Jeremiah 32:39-40 ESV
“…I keep your precepts;” The psalmist once again dedicates himself follow the revealed Word of God. He sees his only way out of this unjust situation is to follow the precepts of God. He was once a follower of the “course of the world,” but he now re-commits himself to following God’s Word.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 ESV
Have you ever found yourself slandered or unjustly treated? Have you ever been subjected to others lying about you and felt alone in your ability to respond appropriately? Even as a follower of Jesus, have friends treated you in unfair ways?
Unfortunately, this is a reality in today’s world. It can be difficult to find a safe place to share authentically without being misunderstood or misrepresented later. But God has offered a way out for you.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:4-10 ESV
I am of an age where it is amazingly easy to be cynical. The things that I used to be able to do no longer work. The things I used to pursue for significance are not available like they once were. I feel the grief of these losses. But God is removing my fingers from all things that I selfishly want from this temporary home. God is using conflict, misunderstanding, and humility to conform me more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29a).
Trials will come. Insolent individuals will lie. But I am called to respond according to God’s revealed Word. My response to what happens to me is far more important that what happens to me. I am called to obey God. I am not called to understand.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
So, when I have been unjustly treated and my name is slandered, I am to look to God for counsel as to what I am to do next.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4 ESV
I am thankful that the Holy Spirit lives in us as followers of Christ. We can rely on Him as our counselor and our ever-present help in times of joy or trouble. My prayer for you as you meet trials of various kinds is that you will remember God’s statutes and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your thoughts, words, and actions. Our God is faithful; we can always trust Him.
Burke Care provides experiencd Biblical counselors who are ready to walk with you through the challenges you are facing. Reach out today.
Application Questions:
What is my first response to feeling unjustly treated?
How do I justify my reaction to injustice? Do I give it to God or take the offense personally?
Where have I gotten deeper in sin because of handling injustice my way instead of the way of Jesus?
Schedule Care Today | Info@burkecare.org | 512.522.2580 | Subscribe
