“Fight Against Those Who Fight Against Me” (Ps 35)

“Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me” (vs1).

We want God to speak peace to us (vs1-3)! The Psalmist said, “Draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, 'I am your salvation'”. He has spoken, but we want to hear it again, in the soul, and in experience of His power. Salvation is not merely feelings, but we want, by the truth, to FEEL delivered and to know all is on the up for us. Jesus prayed this prayer, asking God to raise Him from the dead and keep Him from falling in His path of redeeming sinners. And, with Christ, we pray this prayer. We've been inwardly changed, and are desirous to win the race of life, overcome sin, and see God's face in glory!

Secondly, He says, “Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, and let his net that he has hidden catch himself; into that very destruction let him fall” (vs4-10). In response to this prayer, the Son rose victorious on the third day, for Satan's schemes were destroyed. The pit of the cross, whereby evil thought to rid himself of God, became the actual path of enthronement for Jesus Christ, whereby He loosed sinners, destroyed Satan's power of accusation, and earned life for all the Father gave Him (John 17:2).

With Jesus, we also see enemies overthrown in their fury against us. They think they can destroy us, but they drive us to Christ! Has this not been your experience? The greatest challenges, the people who've opposed you openly, and every bitterness of Satan, has brought you closer to Christ, humbled your soul, and made you confess more openly that God is the One worthy of praise. In confident prayer, we know that nothing shall happen but good to those who love God. Enemies think to overthrow us, but they only establish the kingdom of God.

Thirdly, our love is real. With Him who loved us, we say, “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; and my prayer would return to my own heart. I paced about as through he were my friend or brother; I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother” (vs11-16). Jesus loved His foes, even Judas, weeping over Jerusalem, and desiring that sinners be saved (Ps 109:4-5). Yet, they hated Him, like us, unjustly.

Having been changed, we are not people who hate and then say, “Bless”, but we love sincerely from a purified heart, by the knowledge of forgiveness. We know we have obtained MERCY, so we're merciful (Matt 5:7). And being hated for doing good makes our pleas heard. God would not hear, if our cause wasn't righteous, if we weren't children of faith and fruit bearing for real.

Lastly, our promised response to mercy received is praise given. The Psalmist said, “I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people”, and, “Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, 'Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant'” (vs17-28). We declare to God that if He saves us, we'll praise Him for it, which is good, right, and sure to be heard. He saves for His honor, so honoring Him in life and character is the fruit of redemption. If we've obtained mercy, praise to God the Merciful is the result we willingly give.