Don’t Throw Spears
Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
As I was watching the news today, I was reminded that words like respect, graciousness and politeness have been lost in our political discourse. It’s times like this that I’m glad I’m not on Facebook. There are a lot of angry people going at one another for thinking differently. Typing on a screen can be a lot like driving in your car. Something affects your little kingdom and road rage, or screen rage takes over.
Why do we like having the last word?
When we are trying to hurt others for thinking differently, we dishonor God because He wants to be the one who defends us with truth and love. Our big hearts are revealed by our ability to show respect to those we disagree with. David showed His Godly heart by never throwing spears back at a king who kept throwing spears at David when King Saul would be in fits of depression and confusion. In the flesh, it feels good to throw verbal spears at those who attack us, but it gives the enemy a foothold into our minds and hearts so he can lead us by the nose to cause harm to ourselves and others. When we live by the verbal sword, we kill relationships with the people around us. Usually, it starts with those closest to us.
1 Samuel 18:10b-11
…while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand 11 and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.
David had opportunities to take out King Saul, but instead he trusted the Lord to be his protector. This week be quick to forgive and slow to speak in anger and see how it effects the people who are throwing spears. Remember, hurt people, hurt people. Pray for those who are hurting enough to throw a spear your way. Allow God to be your defender.