See past the pain

The Psalmist in Psalm 120 cries out to God for help. (V2) People are telling lies on him. It causes pain when he finds out what people say about him. Years ago there was a saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Today, we know words to be a powerful force. Words are a preview of future action. Words can stifle, words can sting, words can cause great pain in our lives. Words can even destroy our lives if we are not prepared to resist them.

In verse 6, the writer acknowledges his relationship with people of strife. We all know people who are always angry for one reason or another. Don’t take it personal. Their anger is not a reflection of you in any way. Angry people are a reflection of what they feel about themselves and what they have allowed to settle in their subconscious.

In verse 7, it does not matter how peaceful he is or what he does or says . . . his family, business associates, or other people he comes in contact with . . . they want to argue, and fight. It seems the writer is at the end of his rope in Psalm 120:7 as he says: I am for peace, but when I speak they are for war.

Shortly after expressing this thought, the psalm writer recognizes there is hope in God! Instead of being concerned about what people are saying about him and how he is being mistreated – he starts to look to God for reassurance and deliverance. The psalmist is able to look past the current situation as he is aware of the presence of God in all of life. You too can rest with assurance. God has the power to change your situation at any moment. God, our God, will keep you safe in the middle of a struggle. No matter what the obstacle in your way . . . you can move past it because you know your help is on the way! God is victorious!! Trust in God. He never fails!!! (Psalm 121:2-8)