This psalm begins with a complaint as David petitions God regarding the threat of those against him. They were plotting evil and a conspiracy against him. It was like the enemies were laying an ambush for him. They were hunting him like an animal with their schemes and opposition plans.
There will be times in our lives when we sense there is a conspiracy by those who have no interest in spiritual things, even to the extent of denying the existence of God. It happens at times to young people who are challenged in schools by contemporaries, or even teachers and professors, to seek to undermine the faith of those who know that “he made all things, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” There is an atheistic attitude among educators, and they are not satisfied with holding that view of the world but are determined that people of faith in God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things are humiliated and defeated.
This will not go away. People will continue to plot evil with words and actions, and it seems like there is no fear of exposure or retaliation. Those who oppose God and His people are self-confident today, just like in David’s time. They held them, and now, God’s servants are in contempt with cunning plans to do evil if they can get away with it. Even the people of Israel during the tribulation will think they will lose everything, including their national identity, but in the end, Israel will survive as a people.
When these times come, and we complain to God, our only refuge is prayer. Victory is in God only. He hears all of our cries. He understands all of our needs. When God intervenes, everything is changed. What those people said about David was said about them. They learned that God defends His servants. Confidence in God that expresses our hope happens when we look up, not around, at all that is happening. God will do what the enemies intended to do, but He will do it to them, not His servants.
People often wonder how God will deal with evil. When we know He is on our side, we can overcome our fears despite what others plan. He will do what is right and best. What people say and seek to do may cause a temporary setback in our lives. Let us remember that our “joy comes in the morning.” The worries we might have now will be turned to gladness. When God is ready to act, we will find cause to rejoice because we find our refuge in Him. We glory in His grace, mercy, and strength used on our behalf. The pressures may be there, “But God” changes the whole picture, event, and outcome. What started out as a contest between the righteous and the wicked will end in a just conclusion between God and the wicked.