WordLive - Year OneHalimbawa

Prepare: ‘Taste and see that the LORD is good; O the joys of those who take refuge in him’ (Psalm 34:8). Praise and give thanks to God using some of the words of last week’s psalm.

Tit for tat
This is a man who is bullied and humiliated by a group of people he refers to as ‘my enemies’ (v 19). They have spread lies about the psalmist (vs 15,20); they openly make fun of him (v 16); and they try to trip him up, both literally (v 7) and verbally (v 11). They hate and despise him.

The psalmist appeals to God for a bit of tit for tat. Not unnaturally he wants these men to suffer what he has suffered, partly to vindicate himself but also so that all who see their downfall will praise God (vs 26,27).

Dealing with bullies
Bullying is sadly widespread today. In the playground, schools, colleges, work places and even in the church there are those who want to dominate others, to make them feel small, to disparage them in the public eye, especially on social networking sites.

Bullies have to be faced up to or dealt with by a person in authority over them. If you are being bullied, or know someone who is, then help should be sought for everyone’s sake. Let your emotions pour out to God as you ask his help. His arms are big enough to surround everybody.

Respond: Pray for all those who are being bullied in any way, especially those you may know.

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-09-23