Introduction
Psalm 64: Today’s reading is the prayer of an individual who seeks God’s protection from those whose cruel words inflict harm. The writer trusts in God, and the psalm concludes with a call to praise God.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 64:10
All righteous people will rejoice because of what the LORD has done. They will find safety in him; all good people will praise him.
Reading
64 I am in trouble, God—listen to my prayer!
I am afraid of my enemies—save my life!
2 Protect me from the plots of the wicked,
from mobs of evil people.
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords
and aim cruel words like arrows.
4 They are quick to spread their shameless lies;
they destroy good people with cowardly slander.
5 They encourage each other in their evil plots;
they talk about where they will place their traps.
“No one can see them,” they say.
6 They make evil plans and say,
“We have planned a perfect crime.”
The human heart and mind are a mystery.
7 But God shoots his arrows at them,
and suddenly they are wounded.
8 He will destroy them because of those words;
all who see them will shake their heads.
9 They will all be afraid;
they will think about what God has done
and tell about his deeds.
10 All righteous people will rejoice
because of what the Lord has done.
They will find safety in him;
all good people will praise him.
Reflect
How does the writer describe those who speak cruel words? How is God’s retaliation described? Proverbs 15:4 says, “Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” Have you ever been hurt by someone’s words? How did you react? What are your thoughts about the role of kind words in defusing a situation created by anger?
Pray
Almighty God, you are my protector and place of safety. Whenever I may become involved in an exchange of hurtful words, teach me to forgive and to seek your forgiveness and that of those I hurt. May my words this day reflect your love and grace. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 71: The prayer of an elderly person.
