In this Psalm David speaks about those around him who desired bad things for David. They probably appeared to be loyal subjects and supportive of David. However, they were not. They secretly desired David’s suffering and destruction. David wrote the following of these people: “At my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered themselves together. The smiters whom I did not know gathered together against me. They slandered me without ceasing.”
In my life I have had similar experiences. I have held positions of leadership. In these positions I became aware of some in my organization who were not loyal. They delighted in my challenges and problems and even tried to sabotage my efforts. During these situations I found that my best defense was to place my trust in God. I knew that God would protect me. I knew that He would be my defense.
God did protect me, and he blessed my position of leadership. God even created situations where those who were stumbling blocks for me were ensnared in their own plots.
This and other situations in my life have strengthened my belief in the following Bible passage. “Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” This passage is very comforting to me.
