Have you ever noticed how often David refers to his enemies in the book of Psalms? A lot. In fact the words “enemy” and ”enemies” are used over 90 times in the book. There are numerous other references to foes, conspirators, and the hands of wicked men.

Dealing with adversaries is a dominant theme in the Psalms.

Goes with the territory

Sometimes when David talked about his enemies he was referring to Saul’s army that relentlessly pursued him prior to his becoming king.

Other times he may have been alluding to his military adversaries since he often led Israel into battle.  But many of the references to enemies referred to the citizens in his own kingdom who opposed him.

David was the most successful and revered of all Israel’s kings but even the most effective leaders are second-guessed and criticized.

Moses had Jannes and Jambres who opposed him (2 Tim 3:8).  Paul had Alexander who did him much harm (2 Tim. 4:14), and Jesus had the Pharisees who were always looking for a reason to accuse him. (Luke 6:7)

“The ability to endure criticism” is a part of the job description for every potential leader because the more influential the role, the more intense the opposition will be.

The wounds

It seemed like nothing David did was right.  He wrote, “When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; when I put on sackcloth, people make sport of me.  Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards” (verses 10-12).  Like a modern day president who is the brunt of brutal jokes and unreasonable accusations from people who don’t have a clue, David lived with daily contempt and ridicule.

In Psalm 69 David confessed to feeling overwhelmed by the vicious attacks. “I am worn out calling for help…Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause” (verses 3-4).

Some experienced leaders insist that criticism doesn’t bother them but David confessed that, just as a battering ram weakens the gate a little with each crushing blow, criticism weakens the energy level of even the most seasoned leaders.

The antidotes

In his prayer David asked for a faithful testimony.  “May those who hope in you not be disgraced….may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me” (verse 6).

He expressed appreciation that God understood.  “You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you.  Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none” (verses 19-20).

David learned it was lonely at the top but was thankful God understood him.

He prayed God would avenge his enemies.  “May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.  Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them…Charge them with crime upon crime; do not let them share in your salvation.  May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous” (verse 23-27).

I heard my friend Wayne Smith say, “I know God says not to hate anyone but if that rule ever changes, I’ve got my guy picked out!”

David’s enemies galled him but instead of trying to personally get even (and he could have) he turned them over to the Lord—and then gave some suggestions about what the Lord could do to them!

He concluded by praising God for His goodness.  “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving” (verse 30).

One of the best antidotes for dealing with enemies is to count our blessings.  Praise helps keep the big picture and reminds us that God determines the future…not our foes.

Triumph over your enemies

President Ronald Reagan was often the victim of brutal attacks but remained upbeat and positive about the country and his role in it.  He once said, “We’ve seen the American Spirit triumph too often in our lives to stop believing in it now.”

As Christian leaders we’ve seen the Spirit of God triumph too often in our world to stop believing in Him now—regardless of what our enemies might say or do.
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Bob Russell retired from his position as the senior minister of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky where he served for 40 years. During his tenure, Southeast grew to become one of the ten largest churches in America. Russell is nationally known and respected for his clear, biblical preaching. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including When God Builds a Church and When God Answers Prayer.

Sermons from Bob Russell’s preaching archives are broadcast every week on the SermonCast Channel.