Day 30
”Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.”
-(Psalm 35:1)
Whenever we are persecuted, we want revenge. We want justice to be served. It is a natural response. King David cried out to the LORD for justice in Psalm 35. However we must be careful not to take vengeance into our own hands. We should look instead to our LORD for justice and comfort.
King David sought not revenge by his own hands but asked the LORD to contend and fight on his behalf. Therefore, in this season of Lent we must learn from King David to cry out to the LORD before doing anything foolish.
As we humble ourselves before our LORD, strength will come from Him to comfort us. Psalm 35:8 says, “My soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.” Yes, indeed we will rejoice even when we are under attack and sorrowful of heart. This is because our security rests in God. We know and trust that He will deliver us from our enemies.
Apostle Paul in Roman 12:19 reminds us: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Yet we should not stop here. We must bring ourselves to a higher level – which is to reconcile! Sometimes we are the one who draws first blood and hurts others unintentionally. Therefore, let us humble ourselves and pray to our LORD to reveal to us our wrongdoing. Apologize and seek for forgiveness. Remember that saying “I’m sorry” shows strength, not weakness.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Mat 5:23-24)
Seek reconciliation not revenge, for that not only pleases God but shows Christ’s love to others.
Ps Alex Wong🙏