Scripture

Psalm 28:3-5 NLT

Do not drag me away with the wicked—with those who do evil—those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts. Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. They care nothing for what the LORD has done or for what his hands have made. So he will tear them down, and they will never be rebuilt!

Consider

If we truly believe that God is just, then this prayer of the psalmist should set our knees to knocking and our hearts to trembling.

The psalmist calls down a curse on his adversaries. He asks God to punish them for their wickedness, but would he ask for God’s same justice on himself? The psalmist distinguishes himself from those who practice hypocrisy, who advance themselves at the expense of others and dismiss God from their lives, but is that fair? Who among us has never been guilty of these same crimes at one time or another?

As an act of confession, take a few minutes and rewrite these three verses with personal pronouns for you and God (e.g., “Lord, give me the punishment I so richly deserve” or “At times I care nothing for what You have done”). Look over your prayer and think of deeds in your life that make it a true confession of guilt that deserves punishment.

In light of your confession, would you call down God’s curse on yourself or would you ask for mercy, as the psalmist does in verse 2: Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

Now write a substitute prayer, asking God for mercy (e.g., “Do not pay me back for all my evil deeds; instead…” or “Do not tear me down but save and restore me”). Spend some time in this prayer and listen for God’s voice. What does He say to you?

In future, when you would call down a curse on someone who has hurt or angered you, remember your plea for mercy and ask the same for your fellow sinner.

Pray

God of Justice and Mercy, help me to see my sin and surrender myself to your rebuke and healing forgiveness. Soften my heart and help me to see those who hurt me as fellow sinners, suffering from the same selfish and foolish tendencies that lead to conflict. Thank you for the righteousness of Christ that covers my shame even as your Spirit continues to refine my character.

Reflect

Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:9-18

Ponder

In what ways do I feel superior to that person who offended me? Is my opinion valid?