Psalm 140:9 Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them.
Commentary taught me a new word today: imprecatory prayer, prayer that calls down a curse. And while part of me chuckles a bit at the imagery and righteousness of calling down a curse of burning coals upon my enemies (which says a lot about me, I’m sure), the other part marvels at the work God has done in my heart over the years.
Psalm 140:10a May burning coals fall on them….
Here’s the truth. I don’t care for mean, rude, self-seeking, aggrandizing people. They annoy me. They make me angry and often indignant. But to see them with burning coals heaped upon them would hurt my heart because I know it would hurt theirs. At this point, what I want for them more than I want revenge is for them to have a change of heart, to change their ways. That is what would lead them to God, not their embarrassment or destruction.
Psalm 140:10b …may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for this change in me that wants the humility of those who persecute me to bring them closer to You instead of bringing them humiliation in the eyes of the world. Help this desire to become my strong default. Root out the part of the world in me that finds delight in the downfall of others. Help me to fiercely love, just as You do. Draw me closer.
Psalm 140:11 May slanderers not be established in the land: May disaster hunt down the violent.
Have a blessed day.