June 30th - Reflection

Psalm 140 (NRSV)
Prayer for deliverance

Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers;
protect me from those who are violent,
who plan evil things in their minds
and stir up wars continually.
They make their tongue sharp as a snake's,
and under their lips is the venom of vipers.
Selah

Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
protect me from the violent
who have planned my downfall.
The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
and with cords they have spread a net,
along the road they have set snares for me.
Selah
I say to the Lord, "You are my God;
give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications."
O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
do not further their evil plot.
Selah

Those who surround me lift up their heads;
let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
Let burning coals fall on them!
Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!
Do not let the slanderer be established in the land;
let evil speedily hunt down the violent!

I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy,
and executes justice for the poor.
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall live in your presence.

Reflection
How I need deliverance from evil people, evil intent and evil itself. I am way too easy a victim and way too easy to defeat. I will always loose the battle if I attempt to defeat evil on my own. I may last a while, but the strength of evil will overcome me, and in the end, I will fall to defeat.

You see, it's not about me, being able to win the battle against evil. Even the best of my actions will not win. But, I do have a Savior, of whom I can cling to and stand by for the victory. I am baptized and I am a Child of God. Through Christ alone is this evil defeated. And through Christ are the needy and poor cared for in their lives.

So I stand by Jesus. I place all my trust, hope and faith in Jesus to defeat the evil  I encounter. And I walk humbly with him, day after day to maintain the cause of the needy, execute justice for the poor and live with him in his Kingdom.

Prayer
Jesus, it's all about you. I know that you will protect me and save me as I walk with you day by day through this valley of evil. --- Amen