God Is On Your Side!

My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!

Psalm 56:9

In Psalm 56, David cries out to God for mercy because “people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long” (56:1). In particular, David’s enemies are seeking to harm him by “slandering” him, “boldly attacking” him, and “twisting” his words (56:2, 5).

In the midst of this conflict, David quells his fears by putting his trust in God and God’s promises (56:3-4). He is reassured by the fact that God has “collected all of my tears in your bottle” (56:8). David is confident that his enemies will back down. Why? Here is his answer: “This I know: God is on my side!” (56:9). The Hebrew could be translated more literally, “This I know: God is for me!” The New Living helps the meaning of “for me” come alive.

God is on my side! What a life-changing affirmation! Of course most of us don’t find ourselves in a situation exactly like that of David. Our “enemies” may not be human beings, but social forces (like poverty) or inner demons (like depression). Most people I know do battle with fear and hopelessness, especially in a world that seems increasingly distant from the righteousness of God’s kingdom.

When you feel weighed down and discouraged, when you are beginning to lose hope, when you wonder “if it’s all worthwhile,” let this thought be your firm foundation: God is on your side! God is for you!

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: Do you live your life as if God were on your side? What difference would it make today if you really believed that God is for you, that God wants what is best for you, that God “has your back”?

PRAYER: Gracious God, what a wonderful truth this is. How I thank you for being on my side!

Now, I understand this doesn’t mean you are always in support of whatever I want. Sometimes, I am seeking that which is not right. Sometimes, my way isn’t your way. So, you’re being on my side doesn’t mean I always get my way.

But it does mean that you want the best for me, that you are looking out for me, that you are standing by my side to protect me. You are with me in times of doubt and discouragement. You help me to trust you when I am afraid. You strengthen me so that I might serve you faithfully and effectively.

Most of all, you are always with me and will never abandon me. How I thank you for this reassuring and empowering truth! Amen.