Psalms 56
1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. 2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. 5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. 7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God. 8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? 9When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. 10 In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. 11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 12 Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. 13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
Several years ago, God put this prayer in my heart when dealing with an opposing auto-insurance claim. Initally, they declared that we were entirely responsible for the accident, which I knew was totally false. God led me to fight this accusation directly against advisement of our insurance representative, who suggested we present it to an arbitrator and hopefully receive at least 75 %! He went on to state that in 25 years of experience no one ever received 100 %. Well, I knew we were not at fault period and to receive any thing less than total restitution would not be pleasing to God! During a period of about 3 weeks, God used this situation to overcome more fear of man and establish my heart to trust in Him. Even though I read many Psalms during this period of time, Psalm 56 would always minister strength greatly everytime I would read it. Finally, I had a meeting with the opposing insurance case-agent (I thought)! On my way to the meeting these words overwhelmingly kept ringing in my ears-
3What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee, 9God is for me!, 11In God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me!
Upon arrival, I quickly understood and was thankful that God had strengthened my heart in this situation. Into the meeting room came the case agent, the Office Manager, the District Manager, and the Regional Manager. Their intent was to intimidate me to submit to their offer. After refuting several points in the case agent's report and upon several escalating offers being rejected, the Regional Manager made a final offer of 80%. I thanked him for his offer, but I did not come for partial payment. At this point, I proceeded to present some convincing information that the Lord had provided for me with no one elses help. The Regional Manager arose with the rest and said they would return shortly! After what appeared to be forever(only about 15 minutes), the case agent returned alone to inform me that they had agreed to my request, found their client totally at fault, and paid us 100 % restitution! Praise the Lord! About three weeks ago, God brought this prayer back to remembrance because of continuous opposition to us and those around us, and I encourage you to consider this prayer in your daily situations as God reminds me of the words-
1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. 2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Also remember that in Eph. 6 Paul states that we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness, and spiritual wickedness. Put off the deeds of flesh by the Spirit persevering in all manner of prayer believing the Gospel!