Today’s Reading, Psalms 56,120,140-142
Focal Scripture: Psalms 120:2 ““Lord, rescue me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue.””
Some daily devotions hit harder than others. Today is one of those days in my reading. As soon as I read this verse, I felt it in my bones. Why? Almost two years ago, I resigned from a position, and I was very clear to leadership why I was leaving. It was a toxic work environment with a leader who was not qualified on multiple levels. I even wrote a seven-page resignation letter detailing a fraction of my personal experiences. I never went into detail about the terrible statements made about others in that organization. However, since I left, I have learned that the reason I left has been hidden from others. I have also learned that people have lied and given other reasons for my departure. I have, on multiple occasions, wanted to call and correct the false narrative. Then I remember that the truth will be revealed by the Lord, and he will deal with those who speak deceitfully.
In today’s reading, David is dealing with people who are constantly telling lies about him as a person and the situations he is dealing with daily. So what does he do? He asks the Lord to rescue him from lying lips and deceitful tongues. He knows that he can’t fight this battle. He needs an all-knowing and all-seeing God to deal with corrupt people.
I am going to be very transparent today in my devotion. It is frustrating to be lied about and for people to believe things that are not true. When your character is attacked, and people make up stories to make themselves and the institution look better is infuriating. So I have called out to the Lord to deal harshly with people who lie and have a deceitful tongue. I have also learned that people who listen to the lies without speaking to me are just as guilty.
I want to be clear, I am not a victim. However, it does not take away the pain of being lied about to others. If you can learn anything from my experience, it is this: when asked, speak clearly and plainly about situations. How I handle the situation now is to tell people specifically and precisely why I left. I correct the false narrative and give very specific examples.
I encourage you to trust the Lord when others lie about you or create a false narrative. Go to God and have him speak on your behalf. People who can’t tell the truth will be judged very harshly. People who purposefully try to hurt others will give an account to the Lord. Nobody gets away with hidden agendas and deceitful rhetoric.
Trust the Lord even when people try to harm you. The truth will always be revealed.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Samuel 25-27
