There are times in life when the tide seems really turned against us. Yes, the odds are against the one who is despised or seems weak or is simply taken advantage of, like so many who are treated as pawns in a larger scheme of oppression.
In situations such as these, the oppressed has no way out, except if it comes by way of an Advocate, a Defender with whom lies the power to vindicate the guiltless. That defender needs to hold more power or influence than the demigod.
Yes, all too often, guilt is artificial, construed by someone or some clique who want to paint a person as a wrong doer. In today’s language we say they “frame” that person for the blame. The accusers know full well that they are the guilty ones, but they prey on the gullible who swallow their lies, or sometimes construct their false evidence in such convincing ways, that even “smart” people are caught off guard; and they fall for the lies captured in the supposedly foolproof, yet falsified frame!
When we need an Advocate against powerful liars, only the Truth will do. Only the Truth is powerful enough to avert the effects of the lie. The All-Powerful Lord. So, the psalmist makes a wise choice to seek God’s vindication, defence against and deliverance from 1“an ungodly people, those who are deceitful and unjust.”
Indeed, he asks the question, 2“Why must I walk mournfully because of the oppression of the enemy?” But his inclination to “walk mournfully” arose because he misunderstood God’s seeming absence. Hear him. 2“Why have you cast me off?”
How often, when schemers and oppressors show off their limited power, does it look like God has forgotten the weak one? And then, when that sufferer remembers the promise of strength in the weakness, there might be a way out. I must say “might” because in recent times we’ve seen too many bear the brunt of pain, suffering and death from oppressors who forget that they have only limited power- these mighty ones.
Above and beyond them is the Almighty who reaches and rescues the downtrodden.
That’s why my posture is this. Even though I may be one of those to pay the unfortunate price as the recipient of injustice, in the meanwhile I shall cheer myself up, bubble my spirit up, live abundantly today as I echo it.
5 Why are you cast down O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”