READ: Psalm 52
Saul, the king, is pursuing and trying to kill David and his men. David is hungry and goes into the house of God and asks for food. The priest gives them the “special bread” that was only to be eaten by the priests. Watching all of this is a powerful man named Doeg who works for Saul. Doeg runs to Saul, convincing Saul the priests should be punished just for giving a hungry man bread. Doeg then kills 85 priests and their wives and children. His cruelty is horrific.
We all know people who are cruel. We all know people who spread lies to get in good with the boss, to build up their own importance, to ‘get ahead’ by tearing someone else down. We all know people who become ‘strong by tearing other people down.’ This psalm reminds us that God will ultimately
destroy people who say bad things and hurt other people in their cruelty. It reassures us that people who trust in God rather than cruelty and violence will always praise God—with a hope that endures even beyond death.
Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you to speak only words that build up others today.
Saul, the king, is pursuing and trying to kill David and his men. David is hungry and goes into the house of God and asks for food. The priest gives them the “special bread” that was only to be eaten by the priests. Watching all of this is a powerful man named Doeg who works for Saul. Doeg runs to Saul, convincing Saul the priests should be punished just for giving a hungry man bread. Doeg then kills 85 priests and their wives and children. His cruelty is horrific.
We all know people who are cruel. We all know people who spread lies to get in good with the boss, to build up their own importance, to ‘get ahead’ by tearing someone else down. We all know people who become ‘strong by tearing other people down.’ This psalm reminds us that God will ultimately
destroy people who say bad things and hurt other people in their cruelty. It reassures us that people who trust in God rather than cruelty and violence will always praise God—with a hope that endures even beyond death.
Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you to speak only words that build up others today.