"Sharp Words" March 27 Readings: Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 2:22–52, Psalm 38:16–22, Proverbs 9:11-12

Today's Readings - Deuteronomy 31-32, Luke 2:22–52, Psalm 38:16–22, Proverbs 9:11-12

Devotional - Sharp Words

Words are like knives; the cut deep and leave gaping wounds in our hearts. Maybe it was a parent who poured out their anger and frustration on their children with cruel words. Perhaps a friend you thought would stand with you whose words slice deep instead. Maybe someone finds a flaw, a weakness, a struggle and uses it to cut you up; or perhaps they make up their dagger-words with no regard to truth. But what all of us have in common is that we have been wounded by words from friends, family, fellow-believers, and others.

Whoever made up the statement "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me," had lost touch with all reality.

From the moment that David came to the palace, from the time he stood toe to toe with Goliath, David was the subject of lies, insults, betrayal and evil plots. Men whom he had never wronged determined to destroy him, using every shameful tactic in the book. I'm sure it hurt David as much as it hurts you and me when someone skewers us with unkindness.

But David had learned the secret of dealing with the savage words, the wounds of betrayal. He took them to God, pouring out his heart asking for God's strength and protection.

In Psalm 38, David was repenting of his sin; doing so in a beautiful and powerful way. Of course, whenever we walk in sin we give our enemies weapons to use against us; ammunition for their attacks. But David was not afraid, once he had repented, to call to God for help from these attacks. Our faults and our sins are serious and must be dealt with, but they do not give permission to others to verbally abuse us nor do they negate God's protection on us when we are attacked.

For I said, “Only let them not rejoice over me,

    who boast against me when my foot slips!”

For I am ready to fall,

    and my pain is ever before me.

I confess my iniquity;

    I am sorry for my sin.

But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty,

    and many are those who hate me wrongfully.  Psalm 38:16-19

Take your burdens to the Lord. Sometimes people will unfairly attack you and hurt you, but you can take that to the Lord. Sometimes they will use your faults and failings as ammunition for those attacks, but still, you can go to the Lord. He is our help, our strength, our comfort. Yes, he will confront us with our sin when necessary, but he will never condemn us. Nor will he stand by idly while others condemn us unjustly. 

Do not forsake me, O Lord!

    O my God, be not far from me!

Make haste to help me,

    O Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:21-22

God will never abandon his children - not even when we have messed up royally as David did. He was on his face repenting here, but he still knew that he could call to God for protection and help. 

Our Father in heaven is an excellent father!

Father, I have given my enemies so much ammunition through the years. But I thank you that you are faithful, that there is no condemnation in you! You bring me to repentance to restore me, to lift me up. Help me to always walk in humility, but also in the confidence that you are my rock and my salvation!

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

If a recording of your words over the last week could be played back, what would you hear?
Words that build up or words that tear down?
Words that glorify God or words that feed the flesh?
Words of grace or words of the world?