Text: Psalm 35:1, 3
“Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.”

In this powerful passage, King David cries out to the Lord with an honest and fervent plea for protection and deliverance from his enemies. Facing relentless persecution, he does not turn to earthly forces but instead calls upon the ultimate Defender—Almighty God. This prayer is a profound reminder that in our times of adversity, God not only sees our struggles but is willing to rise and fight on our behalf.

1. Understanding God’s Role as Our Defender

David’s cry in Psalm 35 shows an unwavering trust in God’s willingness and power to stand against those who seek to harm him. When he says, “Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me,” he is surrendering his battle into God’s hands. This surrender is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is the greatest form of strength because it acknowledges that the battles we face are often beyond our control. By calling on God to “fight against them that fight against me,” David acknowledges that the Lord is not a distant observer but an active protector for His children.

This scripture encourages us to trust that God knows the battles we are fighting—those seen and unseen—and He is actively involved in our defense. Our God is not a silent bystander; He stands by us, ready to shield and deliver.

2. The Assurance of Divine Intervention

David asks God to “draw out the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me.” This vivid imagery highlights the seriousness of the battles David faced and the intensity with which he desired God’s intervention. The spear represents God’s readiness to act in full force for those who seek His help. For us, this means that God doesn’t just observe our struggles; He steps in, equips Himself, and fights for us with full divine power.

How comforting it is to know that our trials do not go unnoticed by God! When we feel oppressed, pursued, or overwhelmed, we must remember that the Lord has equipped Himself to be our shield. He is more than capable of dismantling every obstacle, breaking every chain, and silencing every voice raised against us.

3. The Power of God’s Reassurance

In verse 3, David asks the Lord to “say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.” Here lies the essence of our hope: the assurance that no matter what we face, God Himself is our salvation. David yearns for that inner voice of God, a voice that brings peace, courage, and strength. In times of trouble, it is this divine reassurance that calms our fears and strengthens our resolve.

When we stand firm in the promise of God as our salvation, we possess a peace that surpasses human understanding. We find ourselves unshaken, even in the face of adversity, because we know that God is both our deliverer and our salvation. His presence is our comfort, His power is our protection, and His word is our assurance.

4. Trusting in God’s Timing and Deliverance

David’s prayer was not just for immediate relief but a deep trust in God’s timing and His way of delivering him. Often, God’s deliverance may not come in the way or time we expect, but His ways are perfect. Our job is not to dictate the terms of our deliverance but to trust in His faithful promise to stand by us and lead us out of every storm, trial, and persecution.

In moments of hardship, let us pray with the same spirit as David, allowing our faith to rise above our fear, trusting that God’s divine defense is already at work on our behalf. Like David, we should invite God to take up our cause, fight our battles, and be our salvation in every circumstance.

Closing Prayer:

Let us approach God, confident in His power and His unwavering commitment to us:

O Lord, just as David cried out to You, we bring before You the battles that weigh heavily on our hearts. Fight for us, O Lord, and rise against those who pursue us. Draw out Your spear, shield us with Your strength, and let Your voice resonate within us, saying, “I am thy salvation.” We trust You to be our Divine Defender in every situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

©️ James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽 james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️ 773-344-6313