A man sits at his computer late at night, fingers hovering over the keyboard. He’s just been misunderstood, unfairly criticized, maybe even betrayed. The email is written—sharp, precise, devastating. Every sentence feels justified. All that remains is one click to confront and combat his “enemy.”
But he pauses.
He rereads the words and realizes something unsettling: even if every accusation is true, sending this message would harden his own heart. It wouldn’t merely correct the other person; it would change him. So he closes the laptop without sending it.
He decides to let go and let God.
In a very real sense, this supposed scenario is not far from David’s plight in Psalm 141. The enemy is real. The danger is imminent. And his heart is hurting. But David is not as concerned about what his enemy might do as what he might become in response.
These five steps David took, as outlined in Warren Wiersbe’s commentary, serve as a guide for us today.
#1 I Will Seek the Lord’s Help (1-2).
David’s plea is urgent. Sincere. Unpretentious. He knows in times of trial, temptation, and stress, the Lord is his refuge and strength.
Too often, we find ourselves at “wits’ end” about a problem, person, or circumstance in life, seeking answers, but failing to turn to Him who can provide calm, assurance, strength, and Divine guidance. “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you,” is the best place to begin in troubling times.
#2 I Will Keep Myself from Sin (3-4).
David recognized the possibility that his mind, heart, and mouth could lead him into a sinful response. His plea was for God to guard him. Keep him from sinful attitudes and actions. Then he uses a unique expression, “watch over the door of my lips.”
And an open door could hurl words that would hurt rather than heal. To hinder rather than help. To fan the flame and ignite greater harm, rather than to calm, soothe, and prevent further problems.
An application of these two verses would go a long way in solving problems before they begin. Of disarming an adversary. Of cooling heated rhetoric.
#3 I Will Gladly Accept Counsel (5).
In fact, rather than rashly retaliate, David is ready to listen to advice from the righteous. Even to receive rebuke.
The Preacher reminds us that “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools” (Eccl. 7:5). When facing adversity or dealing with “an enemy,” stop and listen to those who can offer sound, solid, scriptural advice.
#4 I Will Let God Judge My Enemies (6-7).
David trusted God to vindicate his cause. As in other Psalms, he recognizes the Lord’s sovereignty as the judge of the nations and all people. He knew that Jehovah would judge according to righteousness (Ps. 96).
We would do well today to quit assuming God’s role as judge. We’re not privy to the intents of others’ hearts and minds. Besides, vengeance is not our prerogative. That’s reserved for God alone. Thus, Paul offers this Divine counsel: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord (Rom. 12:18)
#5 I Will Keep going by Faith (8-10)
As David works his way through this impending danger, he concludes with renewed faith and trust: “But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, the Lord; in you I seek refuge.”
“Keep your eyes upon the Lord” is good advice for all of us as we face adversity, challenges, problems, and Satan’s snares.
Psalm 141 challenges us to more profound devotion, greater trust, and a maturing spirituality. It calls for us both to seek protection from external enemies and to shape our hearts’ desires, guard the words of our lips, welcome correction, and stay focused on the Lord.
In the words of John Wesley, let my prayer be: “[Lord] not only keep me from wicked speeches, but from all evil motions of my heart… Let not the pleasures and advantages which the wicked gain by their ways seduce me.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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