Psalm 35:12

Psalm 35:12

Evil for good

Have you been involved in those scenarios where however hard you try to do good it is always perceived as bad? Even worse are the situations where we go out of our way to do good to someone and all we get back is an evil retort or we discover that they have been scheming and plotting against us. I have to say that I have faced this kind of devious activity time and again, especially in office politics. You help others and give your very best and then find out, crushingly, that all the time your good efforts were being scorned and there was always a hidden agenda of spite and opposition to your every move. This kind of situation sadly often arises in families where a sibling is honoured above another or even in marriage where one partner is leading a double life but acting innocently and manipulating their husband or wife at the same time. There are many, many such situations played out in the lives of all of us and in truth, those who treat good as evil and repay good with evil are truly our enemies! Sometimes we need to face up to this and be wise. 

The Psalm is quite profound, when we discover the deceit or realise what is happening it can feel like a bereavement; someone we trusted has let us down, someone we were good to has turned that good against us. The effect of such duplicity can be crushing and some people never recover, they grieve for a long, long time. If you are such a person, take heart that even King David had similar moments. Then, give the matter to the Lord, He will rescue you and He will vindicate you. Be aware of the games that people play, play along if there is no alternative but on your terms. Best of all, leave the evil ones behind and keep walking forwards with those who you can trust and with the Lord as your guide and protector. 

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