For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me. May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered in scorn and disgrace  (Psalm 71:10-13).

I love this passage because it is so very real.

The Psalmist is surrounded by those who want to destroy him. They see his weakness, and think he is helpless. 

But he is far from helpless.

He has the help of the Most High God.

I love the Psalmist’s confidence in God. Also, if I’m honest, I love the part where he wants his enemies crushed. I can identify with that. It doesn’t quite fit with “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” but it’s real and it’s raw and I get it.

I’m pretty sure God gets it, too–even when his mercy precludes his acting upon it.

You can trust God, Beloved. With yourself, and with your enemies.

Happy Thursday