Psalm 55:9 (NLT) Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans. For I see violence and conflict in the city.
Like me, you can likely point to a situation (or maybe many situations), where the powers of the world are actively working against you: against the things that provide for your basic needs; against your say-so in society as a follower of Jesus; against the truth on a variety of fronts. The kinds of oppression that seem so well orchestrated and impossible to undo. How do you respond to these attacks?
While there are social, political, legal and violent angles that we could pursue, our imagination as followers of Jesus can't stay there. For we, who are united to Jesus, claim to believe that Jesus is the highest authority and power there is. By our adoption into Christ, we have direct access to the Lord of all.
The writer of Psalm 55:9 is in a situation like ours, where they feel overwhelmed by the orchestrated schemes of their enemies. But the writer appeals for the seemingly impossible. The writer appeals for the Lord to confuse the enemy's efforts. The writer also appeals for the Lord to frustrate the enemy's plans. The belief of the writer is that no effort or plan of an enemy will be able to indefinitely succeed under the Lord's rule; and they are trusting that the Lord will actively stand against the efforts of an enemy according to the wisdom and goodness of God.
While it can be tempting to pursue alternative avenues to respond to an enemy, may we not overlook the primary recourse available to us through the Lord over all.
Lord,
Confuse the efforts of my enemies – the powers of this world that oppress my life and stand against your way. Frustrate their efforts. Make it difficult for them to execute what is false, and what is hurtful and deathly to my life and to the lives of others. Put unexpected obstacles in their path. Lord, rescue me, for I know you hear my voice. You rule forever, and I know that in your wisdom and goodness, you will address those who are against me. Bring us all under the truth. Father God, it’s by the power of your Spirit, and through your Son, Jesus, that I pray to you.
Amen.