King David dealt with some people he clearly did not trust. He appealed to God for help while reminding the Lord of the sharks swimming in his lagoon.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

David, in his role of leading a nation, dealt at times with unprovoked attacks coming from those who appeared loyal. Deceit and backstabbing surrounded him as people jockeyed for positions of influence. The lust for power and its privileges turn some into wolves, although that’s probably doing wolves a disservice.

Shame will eventually submerge the treacherous. We don’t refer to shame much these days, it’s become an off-limits emotion, but the Scriptures aren’t afraid of the concept. Those who oppose the ways of God will find themselves disgraced and overwhelmed. The Lord allows the seditious to reap what they sow.

David closed his psalm with these lines: Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Before the Lord, honesty and good character act as preservatives. These defend against wanton, treacherous attacks. Wait for the Lord. Be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord. As David did, we may do so as well.

Psalm 25

Photo by Hennie Stander