We live in a world full of deception, and when we fall victim to it, we seek redress. Every marketing company operates a customer care center to address the grievances of their customers. Governments have judicial systems in place to address the complaints of the common people. The police safeguard individuals from theft and protect their lives when they are in danger. Social activists work to empower the disenfranchised, enlighten them about their rights, and advocate on their behalf. However, despite these resources, some individuals choose not to seek help through these channels and continue to bemoan their plight, feeling unworthy of their place on this earth.
Our Complaints
Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.
Psalm 64:1-2
Despite the government’s efforts to ensure our safety, we continue to be impacted by anti-social elements, leading us to express our distress and share our pain. This, in turn, fosters fear and insecurity in others. However, if we redirect our voices towards seeking God’s protection, our expressions will transcend complaint and become a form of meaningful meditation. The NKJV version uses the word “meditation” instead of “complaint.” Guiding believers to lay their vulnerable situations before God, may seem inconceivable, as God is already aware of our plight. Scripture encourages us to praise God in all circumstances, as He is omniscient and nothing can befall us without His permission.
“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.
Isaiah 8:12-13 (NIV)
Meditating on His word enables us to realign our perspectives on our problems in the light of God. Otherwise, we will constantly be preoccupied with concerns about our adversaries and their schemes. When we give reverence to God, all other apprehensions and intimidations fade away. Just as when a wasp buzzes behind us, it does not disturb us, but if it were to appear in front of our faces, we would be thrown into panic. By fearing the possibility of being stung, we inadvertently attract harm. Similarly, God is cognizant of all plots against us and renders them ineffectual before they can come to fruition. Yet, despite knowing very little about those who scheme against us, we often waste our time trying to unravel their machinations. Instead, we should rely on God to perceive our adversaries from His vantage point. He is also God to them, and they deserve from Him what is due, just as we do.
The Tongue – A Harmful Weapon Indeed
They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
Psalm 64:3-6 (NIV)
They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.
They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares;
they say, “Who will see it?” They plot injustice and say, “We have devised a perfect plan!” Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.
People hurl abusive and offensive words at others, which can lead the listener to experience depression. Many individuals are haunted by the pain, sometimes becoming bedridden despite lacking any physical ailment. The Psalmist compares tongues to swords, highlighting the might of words. Spending time with God and meditating on His word can prevent us from falling into such distressing situations.
In his meditation, the Psalmist was able to discern the threats of his enemies as well as their ignorance of God’s surveillance. Understanding that God knows everything about our enemies’ schemes, leads us to place our full reliance on Him and find rest in Him. When the king of Aram questioned his men for leaking his secret war strategies to the king of Israel, his soldiers revealed, “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom” (2 Kings 6:12). Then the king of Aram not understanding the helping hand of God, plotted to kill Elisha. The conspirators will spend sleepless nights devising their dreadful plans, encouraging each other to do harm to the righteous. They will become proud of their cunningness, oblivious to God’s protection of the innocent.
The Act of God
But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down.
Psalm 64:7-9 (NIV)
He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin;
all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. All people will fear;
they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.
In one of His parables, Jesus mentioned how those who are cunning might invite trouble upon themselves with their own words. For instance, there is a story of a man who, upon his master’s return from a trip, explained that he had not utilized the talents given to him out of fear of his master’s cruelty. The master, in response, expressed disappointment and pointed out that the servant’s own words revealed his lack of initiative and responsibility. It serves as a powerful reminder that our words and actions have consequences, and we are ultimately accountable for how we use our words in His presence. “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant (Luke 19:22a)!
Notwithstanding, God caused the wicked to fall into the pit they had dug for the righteous. When Haman erected a pole for Mordecai, God influenced the king to have Haman impaled on the very same pole. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, spoke, saying, “A pole reaching a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.” The king then commanded, “Impale him on it!” So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. After this, the king’s fury subsided (Esther 7:9-10). Only a few comprehend such actions of God and extol His magnificence, causing many to revere God rather than dread the evil forces at play.
God Is Our Refuge
The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him;
Psalm 64:10 (NIV)
all the upright in heart will glory in him!
Repeatedly, the Psalmist identifies the looming threats and, feeling endangered, chooses to seek refuge in God. It is only when we acknowledge the protective might of God and His unconditional love that we can escape the troubles of this world and seek shelter under His wing. By doing so, we will find comfort in Him, and His name will be exalted because of the stance we take in the presence of our fellow citizens.
Lord, we seek your guidance in comprehending your steadfast hand, which shields us from every snare of this world and provides us with refuge in you at all times.
The Jordan Valley 
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