We all have them: "ZIPPHITES" - people who feel free to malign us, betray us or do the dirty on us. 'Difficult people' are probably the most challenging of problems we face in our lives, and these often leave to fears, anger and negative feelings that often overwhelm our whole being.
In this Maskil Psalm David gives us some practical advice on how to respond to these `Zipphites':
1. REMIND OURSELVES WHO GOD IS: He is our omnipotent, omnipresent, faithful and loving Father. He is our helper and sustainer!
2. LEAVE VENGEANCE IN GOD'S HAND'S: Do not plot revenge. Maintain your integrity like David and remember to `leave the removing of enemies' up to God.
3. REST IN WORSHIP: The overall answer to troublesome `Zipphites' - human or demonic - is settling your mind on the Father's love and faithfulness; as David did, resting in praise and worship.
"In this world we will face the malice of men from without and the temptations of the devil from within. Thank God we can rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Walter Hilton, 1396
HISTORY - Read 1 Samuel 23:14-26
We have heard this story before: David was being chased by the murderous, jealous King Saul and his soldiers. David feared for his life and was desperate to find a place of safety. This time it was in the desert, hill country of the Zipphites.
The Hill of Hachilah appeared safe and it was neutral country. But the Zipphites turned against him
and reported his location to Saul. David fled to the wilderness of Maon, but soon found himself surrounded by 'strangers' - the Zipphites, and his 'enemies' - Saul and his soldiers.
Can't you just picture David: dirty, sweaty, hungry, thirsty, exhausted, betrayed, scared and discouraged. Slumped beside a rock in the desert sun, he pours put his feelings in this psalm.
REMIND MYSELF WHO GOD IS - Read Psalm 54:1-4
David begins this psalm as he does most of his writings seeking God's presence. He was in fear, for both `strangers' and `violent men' were after him. The `strangers' referred to the Zipphites, who for know reason known to David, had betrayed him. The `violent men' were known to David; in fact he had served Saul for a number of years and he had worked with and trusted his soldiers. David struggled to understand why both the Zipphites and Saul's soldiers would take sides with Saul against him.
But rather than spend too long dwelling on these evil men and their intent, David sought after His omnipotent Lord, whom he knew was more powerful than anyone whom who would come against him.
"You, dear children, are from God, and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is GREATER than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
"Surely God is my HELPER; the Lord is the one who SUSTAINS me." Psalm 54:4 (NIV)
David knew God would be his helper and sustainer, because he knew from experience, God was faithful and had never let him down before.
The Hebrew word for `helper' is `ezer' which means `one who provides indispensable help, without which a person would be hopelessly doomed.' David knew, and it is true for us too, that the Lord will supply all that is needed for us to survive enemy attacks. The Lord is also our sustainer, which in Hebrew, is based on the idea of having someone you can lean on for support.
These verses are an example of David's faith. What did he immediately do when under attack - HE PRAYED! He asked for strength and stability from the triumphant God who was stronger, closer and more faithful than any `strangers' or `violent, ruthless, cruel enemies'.
LEAVE VENGEANCE IN GOD'S HANDS - Read Psalm 54:5; 1 Samuel 23:26 - 1 Samuel 24.
"Let my enemies be punished with their own evil. Destroy them because you are loyal to me."
Psalm 54:5 (CEV)
Let vengeance be God's. David wanted his enemies to be punished, but he doesn't want to lose his integrity by punishing them at his own hand. It is easy to `play God' when we are under pressure, but we need to think through the temptation to take our own revenge.
"Do not pay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is right as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not tale 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." Romans 12:17-19
In this verse we read how David believes in God's justice. Thanks to his `faithful' God he knew that his attackers would be held accountable. Like David, we too can hold on to our integrity and not feel revengeful.
"As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture him, a messenger came to Saul saying, "Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land." Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines....... and David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Geri." 1 Samuel 23:27-29 (NIV)
According to this passage we can see how God intervened to protect David from his enemies. Because David released his enemies to God, he was able to look at them with no bitterness and resentment - LOVE had overcome! It is also called living by GRACE!
Later we read in 1 Samuel 24, how David spared Saul's life, when he had the opportunity to kill him. That was living this grace in action. This can be true in our lives to - and is the answer to most of our people problems - resentment, grudges, jealousy, revenge and hatred - `it's amazing how powerful this Christ focused, Spirit empowered, undeserved LOVE and GRACE can be'.
"I believe David's greatest warrior moments were captured in the moments on whom he let live. For me, his greatest victories were not when the women sang, "David has killed the 10,000".......David proved himself a true warrior when he refused to kill Saul." Lisa Bevere
REST IN WORSHIP - Read Psalm 54:6&7
David ends this Psalm, as he does with most, with words of praise and worship. It may take time, but is possible to find peace and serenity when we let God be God. Finally we will reach the point, as David did, when we `give thanks, even in the midst of deep person strife'.
David did not live in denial, but he did not let himself be consumed with the sins of his enemies. Instead he focused on his history with God, and was able to `offer a sacrifice of praise'. He focused on God's goodness, faithfulness and the ultimate salvation he received from his enemies - which led him
Holy Bible, New International Version (2011), Biblica.com
Contemporary English Version (1995) American Bible Society
"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing
"Girls with Swords" (2013) Lisa Beverley, Waterbrook Press
AZ Quotes - Walter Hilton Quotes, 1396
Can't you just picture David: dirty, sweaty, hungry, thirsty, exhausted, betrayed, scared and discouraged. Slumped beside a rock in the desert sun, he pours put his feelings in this psalm.
REMIND MYSELF WHO GOD IS - Read Psalm 54:1-4
David begins this psalm as he does most of his writings seeking God's presence. He was in fear, for both `strangers' and `violent men' were after him. The `strangers' referred to the Zipphites, who for know reason known to David, had betrayed him. The `violent men' were known to David; in fact he had served Saul for a number of years and he had worked with and trusted his soldiers. David struggled to understand why both the Zipphites and Saul's soldiers would take sides with Saul against him.
But rather than spend too long dwelling on these evil men and their intent, David sought after His omnipotent Lord, whom he knew was more powerful than anyone whom who would come against him.
"You, dear children, are from God, and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is GREATER than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
"Surely God is my HELPER; the Lord is the one who SUSTAINS me." Psalm 54:4 (NIV)
David knew God would be his helper and sustainer, because he knew from experience, God was faithful and had never let him down before.
The Hebrew word for `helper' is `ezer' which means `one who provides indispensable help, without which a person would be hopelessly doomed.' David knew, and it is true for us too, that the Lord will supply all that is needed for us to survive enemy attacks. The Lord is also our sustainer, which in Hebrew, is based on the idea of having someone you can lean on for support.
These verses are an example of David's faith. What did he immediately do when under attack - HE PRAYED! He asked for strength and stability from the triumphant God who was stronger, closer and more faithful than any `strangers' or `violent, ruthless, cruel enemies'.
LEAVE VENGEANCE IN GOD'S HANDS - Read Psalm 54:5; 1 Samuel 23:26 - 1 Samuel 24.
"Let my enemies be punished with their own evil. Destroy them because you are loyal to me."
Psalm 54:5 (CEV)
Let vengeance be God's. David wanted his enemies to be punished, but he doesn't want to lose his integrity by punishing them at his own hand. It is easy to `play God' when we are under pressure, but we need to think through the temptation to take our own revenge.
"Do not pay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is right as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not tale 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." Romans 12:17-19
In this verse we read how David believes in God's justice. Thanks to his `faithful' God he knew that his attackers would be held accountable. Like David, we too can hold on to our integrity and not feel revengeful.
"As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture him, a messenger came to Saul saying, "Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land." Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines....... and David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Geri." 1 Samuel 23:27-29 (NIV)
According to this passage we can see how God intervened to protect David from his enemies. Because David released his enemies to God, he was able to look at them with no bitterness and resentment - LOVE had overcome! It is also called living by GRACE!
Later we read in 1 Samuel 24, how David spared Saul's life, when he had the opportunity to kill him. That was living this grace in action. This can be true in our lives to - and is the answer to most of our people problems - resentment, grudges, jealousy, revenge and hatred - `it's amazing how powerful this Christ focused, Spirit empowered, undeserved LOVE and GRACE can be'.
"I believe David's greatest warrior moments were captured in the moments on whom he let live. For me, his greatest victories were not when the women sang, "David has killed the 10,000".......David proved himself a true warrior when he refused to kill Saul." Lisa Bevere
REST IN WORSHIP - Read Psalm 54:6&7
David ends this Psalm, as he does with most, with words of praise and worship. It may take time, but is possible to find peace and serenity when we let God be God. Finally we will reach the point, as David did, when we `give thanks, even in the midst of deep person strife'.
David did not live in denial, but he did not let himself be consumed with the sins of his enemies. Instead he focused on his history with God, and was able to `offer a sacrifice of praise'. He focused on God's goodness, faithfulness and the ultimate salvation he received from his enemies - which led him
Holy Bible, New International Version (2011), Biblica.com
Contemporary English Version (1995) American Bible Society
"Living the Psalms" (2012) Charles R Swindoll, Worthy Publishing
"Girls with Swords" (2013) Lisa Beverley, Waterbrook Press
AZ Quotes - Walter Hilton Quotes, 1396
