Psalm 7

Key Takeaways

• When faced with false accusations or injustice, our first response should be to turn to God rather than lashing out.

• God is a righteous judge who feels indignation at injustice every day.

• We can trust God to bring justice, even when it seems delayed.

• Our righteousness comes from Christ, who is our shield.

• God's judgment often allows the schemes of the wicked to backfire on themselves.

• Jesus felt the full weight of sin and injustice without becoming numb, and he offers us his righteousness.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  John mentioned that David retreats into his relationship with God when attacked. How do you typically respond when facing criticism or false accusations? What can we learn from David's approach?

• Question 2

  The sermon highlighted the difference between performative righteousness and developed righteousness. Can you share examples of each from your own life or observations?

• Question 3

  How does the idea that God feels indignation at injustice every day impact your view of him? How might this change the way you pray about injustice in the world?

• Question 4

  Discuss the concept of Jesus as our "shield" (Psalm 7:10). How does this imagery help you understand your relationship with God?

• Question 5

  John explained how Jesus felt the full weight of sin and injustice without becoming desensitized. How does this aspect of Christ's character encourage or challenge you?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Finding Refuge in God's Love

READING :

Psalm 7:1-5

DEVOTIONAL :

In times of accusation or attack, our first instinct is often to lash out or defend ourselves. But David shows us a different way - he turns to God as his refuge. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you feel attacked or misunderstood. Instead of reacting, practice retreating into your relationship with God. How can you make God your first resort rather than your last? Remember, God's love is your ultimate shield and protection.

Day 2 : The God Who Judges Justly

READING :

Psalm 7:6-11

DEVOTIONAL :

Our world is full of injustice, but Psalm 7 reminds us that God is a righteous judge who feels indignation over this every day. While we may only catch glimpses of the world's suffering, God sees and feels it all. How does this change your perspective on injustice? Take time to bring your concerns for justice to God, trusting that he will act in his perfect timing. Consider how you can encourage others to trust God with injustice in your sphere of influence today.

Day 3 : Resting in God's Righteousness

READING :

Psalm 7:12-16, Colossians 3:1-4

DEVOTIONAL :

David speaks of God as his shield, and Paul echoes this by saying our lives are "hidden with Christ in God." This is the foundation of our spiritual rest - not our own righteousness, but Christ's. Reflect on areas where you're striving to prove your own righteousness. How can you move towards rest in the righteousness of Christ instead? Practice surrendering your need to defend yourself, trusting that God will vindicate you in his time.

Day 4 : The Heart of Sin and Salvation

READING :

James 1:13-15, Romans 1:18-32

DEVOTIONAL :

The sermon touched on how sin begins in the heart and grows to cause destruction. James and Paul both elaborate on this process. Consider the "secret sins" in your own life - those things no one else sees but that may be growing quietly. Bring these before God, asking for his help in uprooting them. Remember, the good news is that Jesus bore all our sin on the cross. His grace is sufficient to cover even the darkest parts of our hearts.

Day 5 : Christ's Sensitivity to Sin and Suffering

READING :

Hebrews 4:14-16, Isaiah 53:3-6

DEVOTIONAL :

Unlike us, Jesus never became desensitized to sin and suffering. He felt every injustice and pain with perfect sensitivity. This made his sacrifice on the cross all the more profound. He bore the full weight of sin without any numbing or dulling. How does this deepen your appreciation for Christ's work? Ask God to awaken your heart to sin and suffering the way Jesus' heart was awake, while also resting in the knowledge that he has overcome it all. End by giving thanks for Christ's righteousness credited to you.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

All: I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-2

Confession of Sin

Righteous Judge, we confess that we perform our outrage but resist your searching gaze. We retaliate when slandered, scroll to numb conviction, and call right what you call wrong. We crave to be seen as righteous more than to be righteous. Forgive us. Expose our hearts, cleanse our motives, and cover us in Christ’s righteousness. Be our shield. Teach us to rest in your justice and wait for your vindication. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:18-19

Additional Resources

“Cursing With God” by Trevor Laurence

“Cursing with God” wrestles with a tough question: how should Christians handle the imprecatory psalms—prayers in the Bible that call down God’s judgment on enemies? These psalms can feel harsh, confusing, or even unchristian, especially in light of Jesus’ command to love our enemies.

Author Trevor Laurence helps us understand that these psalms aren’t just ancient venting—but faithful cries for justice from God’s people and part of our calling to protect what is good and resist evil.

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Psalm 9