Psalm 69:7-18 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 69:7-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7It is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that shame has covered my face.
Verse 8I have become a stranger to my kindred, an alien to my mother's children.
Verse 9It is zeal for your house that has consumed me; the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.
Verse 10When I humbled my soul with fasting, they insulted me for doing so.
Verse 11When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them.
Verse 12I am the subject of gossip for those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.
Verse 13But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me. With your faithful help
Verse 14rescue me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.
Verse 15Do not let the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the Pit close its mouth over me.
Verse 16Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
Verse 17Do not hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress-make haste to answer me.
Verse 18Draw near to me, redeem me, set me free because of my enemies.
Devotion
Like Jeremiah’s lament in yesterday’s text, today’s passage records the painful cry of one who, for the sake of faithfulness to God, has been rejected, taunted and isolated. One can feel the anguish of the psalmist when he cries out, “It is zeal for your house that has consumed me.” The psalmist has been wounded deeply by those who have insulted God and desecrated God’s house.
Is there an answer to all this hurt and pain? If we go farther into the Psalm we will discover the Psalmist’s hope. God’s faithfulness “rescues” us from the mire (v. 14), does not remain hidden (v. 17), hears the needy (v. 33), and will save God’s people (v. 35). Truth will win out. Someone once said, “If millions of people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.” Today’s Psalmist would have agreed. Let us also be confident that God’s love and truth will prevail.
Prayer
O Lord, we see and hear the insults against you on every hand, sometimes in our own words and deeds. Help us as your disciples to hold fast, upheld by your presence and love. Amen.