Saturday, December 4, 2010

Don't Respond To Enemies

"Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy."

-- Psalm 64:1

Do you have any enemies? Probably. Most people do. Oh, you might not think of them as enemies. Maybe they're just people who don't like you (you probably don't like them either) or people who are jealous of you (co-workers or siblings come to mind). But, nevertheless, they are people who usually don't wish you well.

So what happens when those people are close to you? We want to let our guard down. We want to enjoy being around family members. But sometimes that isn't safe. I'm not talking physical here. That's a whole different thing. What I'm talking about are emotions. You know. That constant criticism that comes day after day. The little jabs. The put-downs. The snickers and insults. Taken alone, it would be easy to shrug them off. We're supposed to do that. It's not an easy task -- especially when it seems to never end.

I'm usually able to handle things that come from people I work with or interact with in business. I don't see those people that often. Really. Even when you're working a regular day, you've only got to tolerate stuff for eight to 10 hours, five days a week. Sounds like alot but it is doable.

Where I have trouble is in the close relationships. I hate having to hold myself back, to guard my comments, to temper my emotions because someone is just waiting for the opportunity to pounce. It hurts. Outsiders don't understand. They see the smiles and hear the lies. My skin has become fairly thick over the years but words still wound.

I want to run and hide. I want to throw in the towel and leave the mess to someone else. Haven't I suffered enough for one lifetime? Then I remember David. Saul wouldn't let up and David wouldn't answer the insults. David could have killed Saul but then David would have sinned. God took care of Saul in His own perfect time. I struggle to remember that. God's timing is not my own. He looks at the big picture while I am focused on the hurts of today.

I find rest in David's words and the knowledge that God sees and hears. He knows my heart just as he knows the hearts of those who would destroy me if they could. He'll take care of it in His own time and in His own way. I must find strength in Him to continue the journey He has called me to take and trust that the end will bring peace to me and glory to Him.