Ambushed by Envy: When Success Breeds Adversaries, Trust in God's Salvation
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. Psalms 59:3
In today's terminology, that is to say:
See, they are waiting to ambush me; powerful people are plotting against me, not because of any wrongdoing or sin on my part, O Lord.
The situation and background
This psalm was written around 1000 BC during a time when David was a rising star in Israel, having defeated Goliath and gained popularity. Initially, King Saul took David under his wing and valued his service. However, David's growing success and popularity made Saul jealous and fearful of losing his throne. This jealousy turned Saul into an enemy, leading him to send men to watch David’s house with the intent to kill him.
Observe the process: how these men first came to watch before plotting to kill and destroy. At times, the opposition we face in life is not because we did something wrong. Hence, in David's own words: "The mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD." And David is the type of guy who, if he messed up, he would say it and take the blame squarely. But in this case, he didn't do anything wrong, yet he was going through hell. However, observe how he concluded his plea: "O Lord." In other words, "I can’t do this, Lord. I’m not giving up, but I can’t save myself right now, only You can."
Let this be a lesson to us today. Some of the problems you face are not because you are a bad person; even if you do the right thing and be the nicest and most helpful person, there will still be people who hate you out of jealousy. After all, David had just defeated a giant, but not everyone was pleased with this. So, people were sent to watch his every move. Just because you are trending doesn't mean all your followers are there to admire you. Some people will come into your life just to cause you hurt. But in the words of David... "Oh Lord." That phrase "O Lord" carries a powerful meaning in the Hebrew language; it is "Yahweh" - which implies the covenant God. Your problems will not separate you from God. Trust Him; He will never break His covenant. He will show up and save you.
In the end, remember that like David, you're not alone in facing unwarranted adversity. When success brings adversaries, hold fast to the truth that your value doesn't decrease based on someone's inability to see your worth. Trust in the "O Lord" - in the unbreakable covenant of God's promise. Your story, like David's, is one of divine intervention and redemption. Keep faith, for even when surrounded by those who wish you harm, God's salvation is your refuge and strength.