20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139 is ascribed to David. This Psalm is soul searching. Not only does it acknowledge the ever present, all seeing eye of God, it also is filled with raw anger, hatred and frustration. It is a “for real” Psalm.
David, the scriptures declare was “a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).” How could a man with the heart of God spew such poisonous language like that found in verses 21-22,
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?These verses are somewhat shocking to the Christian ear. Through Christ, we embrace turning the other cheek and forgiveness. But might we learn something transformative from the transparency of the Psalmist? Could it be that the LORD allowed these frank words into the holy writ that we might understand the process of healing and breaking the cycle of pain and dysfunction? Frequently as Christians, we rush and force others to verbally rush towards forgiveness. If someone steps on your foot or takes your parking spot, that may be completely appropriate. But if someone deeply hurt you, caused you tremendous pain, loss, humiliation etc., “quick forgiveness” may not be possible or realistic. True and depth level forgiveness is a process.
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
The Psalmist teaches us that deep pain, disappointment, loss, anger and frustration call for a purging of the heart. We flinch at the idea of speaking such harsh words, especially to the Almighty. But if we mask our true emotions with fake expressions, our hearts remain frustrated, angry and dirty before the Lord. While nursing a grudge is never helpful, pretending to forgive or convincing ourselves that we have forgiven when internally we are still seething is detrimental to our mental, spiritual and physical health.
David expressed his anger, frustration and “perfect hatred” directly to God. He released his emotions clearly and fully to God. He trusted that God would understand his pain and would not cut him off for being totally honest. When David did this, it led him to a beautiful conclusion…one that provides for us a wonderful picture of how the heart is cleansed and drawn back to a healthy place…
Verses 23-24 declare,
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:When David emptied his heart before the Lord of all of the anger and hatred binding him, it was as if he dropped them on a table, looked at them and knew those feelings had to go. He knew that those feelings were not healthy…in fact they were ugly and were not in line with his true character. Purged of the poison, his heart was now ready to receive help towards the more excellent way. True forgiveness was now possible.
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting
While it is not wise to unleash a barrage of hateful and angry words towards others, it is completely appropriate to speak openly and honestly to the Lord about our pain, anger and yes, even our hatred. God knows our hearts. He sees what is there whether we acknowledge it or not. He knows our desire to please Him. That is all the more reason why the Lord offers us a place at the altar to purge.
Stop carrying all of that “stuff” around, pretending to be whole. Get real with God. Trust Him to have shoulders broad enough to deal with your pain, your anger, your frustration, your disappointment. Then invite God to search you, try you and see if there is anything in you that is not right. Invite Him to lead you in the “way everlasting.”
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris
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