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- Oct 26, 2007
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- 12,539
Behold, God [is] my helper; The Lord [is] with those who uphold my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth. I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for [it is] good. Psalm 54:4-6
How should you respond to those who attack and slander you? Besides endeavoring to live a holy and blameless life in the first place, today’s psalm offers a few helpful clues about responding to a difficult situation with slander or accusations. Rather than rushing to defend yourself, begin by acknowledging that God is your help and your refuge. You will never find peace if you seek affirmation and security in the opinions of others.
In addition, slander itself can be self-defeating, recoiling back on those who verbally attack others. A slanderer is exposed by his actions, and so your best defense is to let the slander to be seen for what it is. Responding in kind will hardly help anyone.
Finally, while there may be situations where a clear, fact-based response to slander may be required, focus your energy on the goodness of God. Praise God for His love and goodness, for it is on God’s goodness that you rise or fall, not the slander of someone else.
Prayer: God, You are good and trustworthy, lifting up and affirming Your people when they trust in You.
How should you respond to those who attack and slander you? Besides endeavoring to live a holy and blameless life in the first place, today’s psalm offers a few helpful clues about responding to a difficult situation with slander or accusations. Rather than rushing to defend yourself, begin by acknowledging that God is your help and your refuge. You will never find peace if you seek affirmation and security in the opinions of others.
In addition, slander itself can be self-defeating, recoiling back on those who verbally attack others. A slanderer is exposed by his actions, and so your best defense is to let the slander to be seen for what it is. Responding in kind will hardly help anyone.
Finally, while there may be situations where a clear, fact-based response to slander may be required, focus your energy on the goodness of God. Praise God for His love and goodness, for it is on God’s goodness that you rise or fall, not the slander of someone else.
Prayer: God, You are good and trustworthy, lifting up and affirming Your people when they trust in You.
