Psalm 35

1. Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me;

fight against those who fight against me.

1. Take up shield and armor;

arise and come to my aid.

1. Brandish spear and javelin

against those who pursue me.

Say to me,

“I am your salvation.”

1. May those who seek my life

be disgraced and put to shame;

may those who plot my ruin

be turned back in dismay.

1. May they be like chaff before the wind,

with the angel of the Lord driving them away;

1. may their path be dark and slippery,

with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.

1. Since they hid their net for me without cause

and without cause dug a pit for me,

1. may ruin overtake them by surprise—

may the net they hid entangle them,

may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

1. Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord

and delight in his salvation.

1. My whole being will exclaim,

“Who is like you, Lord?

You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,

the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

1. Ruthless witnesses come forward;

they question me on things I know nothing about.

1. They repay me evil for good

and leave me like one bereaved.

1. Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth

and humbled myself with fasting.

When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

1. I went about mourning

as though for my friend or brother.

I bowed my head in grief

as though weeping for my mother.

1. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;

assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.

They slandered me without ceasing.

1. Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;

they gnashed their teeth at me.

1. Lord, how long will you look on?

Rescue me from their ravages,

my precious life from these lions.

1. I will give you thanks in the great assembly;

among the throngs I will praise you.

1. Do not let those gloat over me

who are my enemies without cause;

do not let those who hate me without reason

maliciously wink the eye.

1. They do not speak peaceably,

but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land.

1. They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha!

With our own eyes we have seen it.”

1. Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent.

Do not be far from me, Lord.

1. Awake, and rise to my defense!

Contend for me, my God and Lord.

1. Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God;

do not let them gloat over me.

1. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!”

or say, “We have swallowed him up.”

1. May all who gloat over my distress

be put to shame and confusion;

may all who exalt themselves over me

be clothed with shame and disgrace.

1. May those who delight in my vindication

shout for joy and gladness;

may they always say, “The Lord be exalted,

who delights in the well-being of his servant.”

1. My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,

your praises all day long.

What is the Meaning of Psalm

Exploring the Meaning of Psalm 35

In verse 1, David begins by pleading with God to fight against those who are fighting against him, emphasizing his trust in God's righteousness and protection.

Verse 2 sees David asking for God's shield and armor to be brought to his aid in the battle against his enemies, highlighting his reliance on God for strength and defense.

Moving to verse 3, David prays for divine intervention, seeking God's assistance in lifting him up and rescuing him from the snares set by his adversaries, showcasing his faith in God's deliverance.

What is the Message of Psalm

Message of Psalm 35: Trusting God in Tough Times

When things get tough, remember to rely on God for help and protection. No matter the challenges you face, God is always there to support you. Trust in His righteousness and sovereignty, and have faith that He will see you through.

In times of adversity, it's important to turn to God for strength and guidance. He is a source of hope and comfort during difficult moments. Keep praying and believing in His unwavering support, knowing that He will deliver you from any adversity you may encounter.

How to Pray Psalm

A Prayer Inspired by Psalm 35: How to Pray Psalm

Heavenly Father, as I immerse myself in the words of Psalm 35, I come before You with sincerity and openness. Help me to reflect on each verse, understanding its meaning and how it speaks to my life. I lay bare my heart before You, sharing my joys, fears, and struggles, knowing that You are a faithful listener. Guide me, O Lord, with Your wisdom and direction, aligning my desires with Your perfect will. May the words of this psalm bring me peace and strength, reminding me that You are always by my side in every circumstance. Amen.

Conclusion

Psalm 35, with its 28 verses, stands as a poignant example of seeking justice and protection through prayer in times of trouble. It serves as a reminder that it's essential to turn to God for help when facing adversaries or challenges that seem insurmountable. The psalmist's heartfelt plea for divine intervention resonates with believers who find themselves in similar situations, offering solace and hope in the midst of adversity.

As we reflect on the message of Psalm 35, we are reminded of the power of prayer in seeking God's deliverance and protection. It encourages us to trust in God's unfailing love and strength to overcome our enemies and trials. Incorporating the themes of this psalm into our own prayers can bring comfort in knowing that God is our ultimate defender and refuge in times of distress.

In times of trouble and persecution, Psalm 35 serves as a beacon of hope, reassuring us that God hears our cries for help and is ready to come to our aid. It inspires us to persevere in faith and to seek justice with the assurance that God is fighting on our behalf. Let us hold onto the truths found in this psalm, finding courage and strength in the knowledge that we are never alone in our struggles, for God is with us every step of the way.