Vs. 157 — Many are my persecutors and my enemies, Yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.

John Calvin:

The Psalmist here as in other places testifies, that although he had been provoked by many injuries, yet he had not departed from the right way; which, as I have elsewhere observed, was an evidence of great and singular constancy. It is an easy matter to act well when we are among the good; but if wicked men afflict us, if one man openly assault us by force, if another rob us of our property, if a third circumvent us by wiles, and a fourth attack us by calumnies, it is difficult for us to persevere in our integrity, and we rather begin to howl among the wolves. Besides, the license which is allowed them of doing what they please without the fear of being punished, is a powerful engine for shaking our faith, (Calvin, J., & Anderson, J. (2010). Commentary on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 5, p. 33). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.)

Prayer:

Sustain Your people, O Lord. By Your restraining hand hold our tongue from vengeance or retaliation when we are injured by others. Give us an attitude of grace to be strong within and not seek to carry out Your judgments upon those who strike against the fold of the Great Shepherd. Though our faith be the target of the scoffer, their actions cannot prevail. Give all saints the grace to keep Your word and be constrained by the Love of Christ. You, O God, are able to defend Your name–the banner over Your covenant people.  You will have the last word.

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