Psalms 140:1-13 (NLT)
1 For the choir director: A psalm of David. O LORD, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent,
2 those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long.
3 Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips. Interlude
4 O LORD, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me.
5 The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way. Interlude
6 I said to the LORD, “You are my God!” Listen, O LORD, to my cries for mercy!
7 O Sovereign LORD, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle.
8 LORD, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud. Interlude
9 Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me.
10 Let burning coals fall down on their heads. Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.
11 Don’t let liars prosper here in our land. Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.
12 But I know the LORD will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor.
13 Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence.
In the Name of the Lord, there is a faithful refuge from every threat of evil that rises in this world. Though the works of darkness may loom large and seek to occupy our thoughts, we need only bring our greatest concerns before the Lord. There, our gaze is lifted from the actions of men to the movements of the Almighty.
As we proclaim the Lord as our Protector and Defender, the threatening rise of unrighteousness is brought into its proper perspective—far beneath the One who sits enthroned above all. No power can rise beyond His reach, no threat can ascend above His authority, and no work of darkness can stand against His dominion.
So, with every threat that rises from man, let there arise an even greater praise to our Champion. Let every fear become an occasion to exalt His Name, every opposition a reminder of His supremacy, and every looming danger an invitation to behold the greatness of our God.
For as He is lifted high in our praise, that which sought to tower over us is brought low beneath our feet. What once appeared overwhelming is placed beneath the authority of the Almighty, where, in the peace of His presence and the confidence of His victory, it may be trampled underfoot with peaceful ease.