Bible Reading: Numbers 2; Psalm 36; Ecclesiastes 12; Philemon
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. (Psalms 36:11)
Psalm 36 is a wonderful Psalm to understand how to deal with wicked men. David begins the Psalm by stating what he is saying to himself in his heart. He is concerned about the wicked men he has to deal with. There is no fear of God within them. The wicked builds himself up in his own eyes and he is a liar. He goes his own way and he does not hate evil. This description of wickedness applies to every generation. You and I deal with men like this in our world today.
How then do you deal with them in a way that is godly?
David begins here where we all begin. He is talking to himself and thinking about the wickedness around him. Many times we do this. We read the paper or watch the news and are discouraged by the wickedness we hear of. We see wicked men in places of power and watch them trampling down the people. Yet David does not simply think about it and worry. He goes to God in prayer and begins to worship the Lord for all his wonderful mercy.
Do you practice this? When you are concerned about the wicked do you go to the Lord in prayer? The Bible tells us very plainly not to be anxious or worried but to take it to the Lord in prayer.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
David turns from his worrying to worship and then to supplication. He asks God to protect him from the foot of pride. The proud trample down the humble and run over them. When I read this I am reminded of the Gadsden flag of the early American colonies. It was a coiled rattlesnake with the words, "Don't tread on me." The British were proud and trampling down the colonies. Do you pray that the proud would not run over you?
David also prays that the hand of the wicked would not remove him. The hand is the symbol of your will. You do your will with your hand. Do you pray that the wicked will not be able to come against you? You should. Instead of worrying and fretting about the wicked, worship God and pray.
In Christ,
Rody
