Psalm 119:78
Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts. Psalm 119:78
Meditating on the meaning of this verse over the last few weeks has been a fleeting effort. I was often left with an empty response. I agreed but lacked conviction as to a specific heart response. This void may be because I try to avoid feeling personally “wronged.”
I do see others responding in arrogance and pride, but I do not feel personally attacked. In humility, when I do feel these things personally shame can arise. Knowing that, it makes more sense for me to walk through this verse by reversing the order of the phrases.
“…as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.” In response to the presenting issue found in this verse, the psalmist has a plan. He will go to God’s Word and meditate on the precepts found there.
“…because they have wronged me with falsehood;” Why is this action important? Because falsehoods have been expressed about his character, and he has been wrongly dealt with. He feels the injustice of being wrongfully accused.
“Let the insolent be put to shame…” Now the psalmist wants justice. He turns the table on the insolent’s actions. Instead of the psalmist receiving and accepting the shame, he goes to God to ask that the shame be heaped on the accuser. He acknowledges that shame is being used for evil, but he turns to the Father to “meditate on your precepts” instead of the shame.
One instance where I find this happening in a subtle way in my life is around ideas for ministry. Throughout my years of being a Christian, I have recommended ideas as to how ministry could function. Not being from a ministry background, I will see situations arise, I will give my thoughts and be told that my idea is confusing and not something that can be done, only to find that 18 to 24 months later an idea like mine was being utilized.
The reason I use this example is that it has elements found in this verse. There is evidence of “falsehood,” “rudeness,” “lack of respect,” and “shame.” In my earlier years, shame would have been the prevailing feeling (something is wrong with me, why am I the outsider?). Recently, it was more a feeling of a lack of respect. But either way, my feelings are not the ultimate means of discernment. God’s Word is the voice I should heed in the situation.
“My feelings are a good thermometer but not a good compass.” Unknown
Jesus is the one I need to seek to please not my own agenda or the agenda of someone else. My heart’s response needs to be rooted in the better Judge, Jesus. Jesus came as the better Moses, the better Aaron, and the better David. I need to go to the gospel of Jesus to resolve any shame or injustice I feel.
When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten… – 1 Peter 2:23 ESV
If you find yourself struggling with feeling like a righteous one being unjustly accused, reach out to Burke Care today. We can help reframe your circumstances under a biblical framework that makes sense. Consider reaching out today.
Father God, thank You that You have reconciled Your children, so we have the perfect relationship with Jesus in this very broken world today. Pursue each of us to seek Your will in our lives no matter what the circumstances. Calm our hearts and remove the shame, for Your glory and our good. Amen
Application Questions:
1. Where does shame come up in my life?
2. In what ways do I feel unjustly dealt with?
3. Being unfairly treated is hard, but why does it feel so much harder to me?
Schedule Care Today | Info@burkecare.org | 512.522.2580 | Subscribe
