Day #198 - My Defender

The Presence - A Devotional for living in Thanksgiving, Worship and Wonder

“Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35:22-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Who has your back?

If you get into trouble in life who is there to protect you and defend you? When I was young a neighbor boy got upset with me and started a fight with me. I can’t remember what started it all, but what I do remember is my brother coming to be my defender. The neighbor boy grabbed me and my brother came up from behind him and got rid of him. Sometimes trouble is the opportunity we need to find out who has our back.

David is crying out to God in Psalm 35 in desperation because he is under attack from his enemies. These are literal enemies plotting and attempting to kill him. These are not just boardroom enemies, an upset neighbor or someone that is against your beliefs. David is literally fearing for his life. If God can help David in these life threatening situations then he can also certainly defend us in the boardroom, with our neighbors or with those who come against us.

David knows that when he is being threatened, the Lord sees him. His prayer is “do not be far from me.” What is he praying? He is praying for “the Presence.” David knows that God’s nearness is what makes the difference. David is confident that if God is near then God will be his Defender. God will contend with David’s enemies and and vindicate him.

We can get through anything when God is near. God’s presence brings us comfort, peace and favor, but it also brings us protection from our enemies. We can rely on God in the most difficult circumstances. Great threats do not mean that we are abandoned by God but rather can become opportunities for us to see that is He is not far from us and He comes to our rescue.

The Lord is looking upon you and whoever messes with the righteous will have to deal with God. He is your Defender and He is near.

Lord, You are my Defender. Be not far from me. Let me know Your presence. You see the threats of my enemies. Contend for me. Vindicate me. You will not allow my enemies to have the last word. Do not let them gloat over me. Defend me and grand me victory. I love to see how You come to my rescue. In Jesus name, amen.