(Psalm 143:2)
Often, when accused, we become indignant at how false and how ludicrous are the charges made against us. "Anyone can see these things are not true," we reason within.
Yet there may be an uneasy feeling in our hearts over things we are guilty of, that our enemies know nothing about. "I'm innocent of what they have accused me. But I am feeling guilt over what they haven't accused me of!"
Such seems to have been the experience of David:
"And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall none that liveth be justified." (Psalm 143:2)
Let us listen to David as he prayed under these circumstances, in order to better understand our own hearts and profit from these afflictions. Notice the development in his prayer.
"I'm innocent!" As David prayed about his afflictions, he protested his innocence as to the charges they brought against him. As we pray when wrongly accused, let us do more than just angrily denounce our foes. A careful examination of the facts, even of appearances, is in order. Perhaps we will come to see why our accusers believe as they do. But, if our hands are clean, by all means let us state our case, both before God and man.
"No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart." (Nehemiah 6:8)
But his prayer continued to unfold.
"I'm guilty!" David had a sense that, perhaps, God was using untrue charges to humble him and bring him to repentance. Down inside he was aware of his guilt about some other things. As sinners, many offenses will come to our minds. Our consciences may accuse us of sin and wrongdoing we have never dealt with. Open and honest soul-searching will bring these to light. Confession before God, and making things right with those we have wronged, will help ease our consciences and clear our record before God.
"Look, Lord ... if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." (Luke 19:8)
We must be careful, however, not to misplace guilt. While we must not accept blame for things of which we are innocent, we must also avoid morbid introspection and intense spiritual psychoanalysis. Honest prayer will result in honest confession and thrilling fellowship with others and with our Lord.
"Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:3-4)
This will also lead to a deeper realization of our sinfulness and God's grace.
"No one's perfect!" Far from excusing his sin, David asked for grace as he pleaded his case, acknowledging his sinfulness in the presence of the Holy One of Israel. While we sincerely renounce our sins and humbly seek his forgiveness, let us also praise God for his unmerited mercy and kindness toward us. Without Christ's death for our sins, we would be in line for God's wrath. His grace has removed our deserved judgment. Instead of rationalization, arrogance, or continued disobedience, a repentant heart will increasingly hate sin and love the Savior.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart; these, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:17)
Yes, persecution hurts and lies embarrass. And they can also upset us. But, as we pray (and we certainly are to pray at times like this), we must seek God's purposes behind this trial. This ought to be our prayer:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)
May this painful experience benefit us as we examine ourselves. May it humble us before our God and lead us closer to Christ.
(Copyright 2003 Roger D. Adams)
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