A Psalm of Conflict

1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

    You have given me relief when I was in distress.

    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?

    How long will You love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself;

    the Lord hears when I call to him.”

David has seen a considerable amount of conflict in his life. Some of the conflict comes at the hands of others and some from his own hands. Throughout his life, scripture shows us how David turns to God for peace.

Our conflict may be internal or external, but in all we experience, we should offer ourselves to our heavenly Father and ask Him for relief. Jesus reminds us of the importance of God’s presence when we call upon Him, saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

We pray: Heavenly Father, as I experience conflict in my life, help me to better understand Your will and to find ways to seek peace, be it my own doing or the work of others. Hear my prayer gracious God, heavenly Father, and focus my eyes on the cross of Christ. In Him do I have eternal peace. Help me to understand this and help me to bring this conflict to an end peacefully. Amen.