Briefing: As peace officers we are called to protect and serve. Victims of bullying must have the assurance that we are there to assist them and trust us to do so.

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Psalm 70.

On the Street: We have all been victims of bullying at some time in our lives. It may not have been harsh or violent but we have all experienced it. Early on in my law enforcement career, I learned the vast majority of family violence abusers were once abused. Most bullies were at one time bullied themselves. Unfortunately, these unacceptable behaviors are learned and then passed on. How do we stop this legacy of bullying?

Because humanity is plagued with a sin problem, we will always have bullying. The only way to combat it is to share the gospel with offenders and victims alike. The only solution to sin is a life lived for Jesus Christ.

When I think of King David, I do not see someone who ever had to endure the pain of being picked on or abused. My first thoughts are of the young boy who killed a bear and a lion. I picture the young man who faced the greatest, most violent and vicious warrior of his time, Goliath. I envision a man that when he would enter Jerusalem, “As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” 1 Samuel 18:7. Who would dare pick on this man?

As seen in the last chapter, when we take a stand for God and His righteousness, we will come under the enemies attack. David is proof that as long as we are on this side of heaven, we are never out of the reach of the bully.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray this was part of it, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13. Jesus knew the bully would always be seeking to destroy us. In John 17:15 Jesus said, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”

In verse 1 David prays, “Hasten, O God, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me.” Verse two reveals the bullies in David’s life, “May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion: may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.” God has a weapon called confusion that He uses on His enemies. The Bible is full of examples where He uses confusion to save His people. I would highly recommend, the next time you come under attack from the bully that you ask God to throw him/her into confusion. Then take a step back, trust and have faith in God, and watch Him work.

In verses 2 and 3 David mentions their shame and disgrace. This comes about when we are living in the righteousness of God’s plan and the bully speaks lies about us. The disgrace and shame come on the bully when our actions and words prove the enemies wrong and the world sees the truth instead of hearing the lies.

As great a king and leader as David was, he still acknowledges, “Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.”

Investigational Resources: Psalm 35.

Officer Safety Principle: You will be bullied because of your faith. You will also be expected to stand up for others who are bullied. This is our calling and your job. You are a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. Glorify God by fulfilling this call in your life.

from Psalms Through the Eyes of a Cop, Volume 1
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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