It is a reoccurring theme because it is a reoccurring problem. If lips could kill, you'd be dead. Words are dangerous weapons. And like the arrow once they are shot, they can't be retrieved. Most of us will make it through life without breaking the "Thou shall not murder" commandment in the physical sense but how many emotional murders do we have on our hands? Can a word kill a dream, a reputation, a hope, confidence, or an opportunity? Engaged in battle there are no winners with words, only wounds. This psalm talks about ambushes and hidden snares that we are shot at from. There are words spoken to us daily that can begin to negatively penetrate our hearts and minds. These words come from the world with a message that is either building us up or tearing us down in many media forms including news reports, advertisements, TV, books, and music. There are even seemingly positive words but with the wrong message. So are we to crawl in a hole and never talk or listen to anyone again to avoid a harmful word? No. Should be become numb or try to be more tolerant of different ideas. No. God promises to fight back and avenge the wickedness of the world. We won't see it complete on this side of Christ's return but in verse 9 is says ALL mankind will fear God, proclaim (with verbal words!) the works of God, and ponder (the words of our hearts and mind!) what He has done. Have you been wounded by words or have you done the wounding? Chances are you are like me and it is yes to both. Seek God's forgiveness and grace to resolve those and seek refuge in Him, not a hole in the ground, from the verbal attacks of this world. Our hope and salvation even from words is in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Psalm 64 Questions -
1. Where does the enemy threaten you? In what areas does the world tell you that you aren't good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, worthy enough?
2. Do you stay hidden from conspirators and evil doers? What ambushes and snares might he have hidden in your life? What "guilty pleasure" have you justified to watch or read? Knowing God cares more about your holiness than happiness, should you continue?
3. What is the difference between voicing a complaint and complaining? Here David is making a complaint because his life is threatened not his comfort. When is it okay to complain?
4. Knowing the heart and mind of man is cunning. How does this effect your relationship with others? With God?
5. What 3 things will ALL men do. Will you choose to do this now?
6. What 3 things will the righteous or godly do? How can you practice that today?
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