Central Truth

When faced with injustice, we should take refuge in God, be honest about our feelings, and ultimately take comfort that God is a righteous sovereign Judge.

Reflections

Did you know that the longest and most expensive criminal trial in the history of the United States (the McMartin preschool case) is now thought to have been based on completely false accusations? Imagine being publicly accused and prosecuted for a crime that you did not do.  Have you ever experienced an injustice in your life? What's your reaction? Psalm 7 is David's prayer about injustice and persecution he is suffering.

In the first verses we see David desperate for God's protection. That is certainly me. If I am faced with a crisis, I become desperate for God's protection. (I wish I could keep that "God-seeking intensity" without a crisis!)  But it is amazing how many times God has redeemed a crisis I have faced by using it to draw me close to Him.

After acknowledging his helplessness, David gets right to the meat of the matter. "O Lord my God, if I have done this . . . then let my enemy pursue and overtake me . . . Arise, O Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies." (vv. 3-6)  

David is crying, "I am innocent and I want you to punish my persecutors!" These types of thoughts are dangerous for me because I know I can easily turn my desire for justice, which is good, into personal judgment and desire for harm to come to the wrongdoer, which is sin.

How does David handle this? He focuses on God as the judge, not himself. He focuses on the natural consequences people receive by their evil actions, not on his desire to punish someone. I can almost see God's peace descending upon David toward the end of this psalm as he puts God into His rightful place as sovereign Judge. Finally, he arrives at a point of giving thanks to the Lord and singing His praises.

God moves David from desperation and denial of wrongdoing to praise and thanksgiving, all in one prayer. Exactly where I need to be no matter what injustice I suffer.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever suffered an injustice? How did you react? How did you approach God about it?

2. Have you ever seen anyone "fall into the pit he has made," as described in verse 15? Has it ever happened to you? What did you learn?

3. Have you ever asked God to "save and deliver [you] from all who pursue [you]," as David prays in verse 1? What were the circumstances? Did you see God move?