Observation: It's not uncommon for a psalmist to ask God to take a side against an enemy, and promise to share good news of God's deliverance in return. That's exactly what Psalm 35 says.
Application: No way around it...this doesn't fit with my commitment to follow Jesus' teachings, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This is exactly the opposite! It's texts like this that give me a sense of relief that I don't worship the Bible, I worship God revealed in Jesus Christ. When in doubt, I follow him.
Still, something I can gain from this is a reminder: as violent as the world of the Bible is, it is much more common even in the Old Testament to ask God to settle a score than to advocate proactively settling it oneself. While I can't see myself ever praying for the demise of an enemy, this Psalm sets a helpful example of putting Justice in God's hands rather than repaying evil for evil. In the cases where we just can't pray for our enemies, maybe at least praying they get caught in their own nets is better than trying to beat them at their own game. That's what I've got today.
Prayer: God, bless my enemies. Turn the hearts of those who wish me harm. And on the days when I can't bring myself to pray for them, help me at least turn to you instead of living their way. Amen.
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