Psalm 83 verse 16 (NIV)
Cover their faces with shame, LORD,
so that they will seek your name.
David was always real before God. I think that’s one reason God was able to use him. His psalms always show his true feelings and he never tried to dress things up. Sometimes his psalms are hard to read because of what he says. He doesn’t always wish the best of those who stood against him.
However this verse caught my attention. Initially he prays for others to be put to shame. But that’s only half the story. He asks for it to be a means to bring people to seek after God. Surely that is a proper thing to pray for. We should be praying that even those who disagree with us, or who make things difficult for us, come into a proper relationship for themselves.
And even in our own lives, how many times does the Lord use difficult circumstances to draw us closer to Himself?
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the reminder that You want everyone to come to know You, even those who may not wish the best for us. I remember that Jesus died for them too. If I can pray nothing else for them, help me to pray, like David, that they will come to know You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.