How do you usually respond when someone opposes you? If you’re like me, unfortunately your first response is probably pretty poor. But it doesn’t have to be. Psalm 83 helps us respond appropriately when enemies are against us.
I. When enemies are against us we go to God.
“O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!” (v 1)
II. When enemies are against us we feel pain.
“For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads. They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones. They say, ‘Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!’ For they conspire with one accord; against you they make a covenant.” (vv 2-5)
III. When enemies are against us we ask God to intervene.
“Do to them a you did to Midian, … O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind. As fire consumes the forest, as the flame sets the mountains ablaze, so may you pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your hurricane! Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O LORD. Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace.” (vv 9, 13-17)
IV. When enemies are against us we have a chance to glorify God.
“That they may know that you alone, whose name is the LORD, are the Most High over all the earth.” (v 18)
Three Take-aways
1. There is evil and injustice in the world.
2. Anger is a natural response to evil and injustice.
3. God alone provides an answer to evil and injustice.
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According to Your Word 