Workday Prayers: God Blesses Even as Others Curse
Scripture — Psalm 109:28
Let them curse,
but you will bless.
Let my assailants be put to shame;
may your servant be glad.
Focus
When people at work are mistreating you, you can find comfort and encouragement in the presence of God and in the promise of God’s blessing.
Prelude
Psalm 109 is a passionate lament in which the psalm writer chronicles at length the ways his enemies are tormenting him. After lines and lines of complaint, the psalmist finally cries out to God: “Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love” (Psalm 109:26)
Now, an ordinary human being would want revenge against their enemies. Indeed, the psalms can be quite vengeful at times (see, for example, Psalm 137). But Psalm 109 offers a surprising variation on curses and blessings. Verse 28 reads, “Let them cure, but you will bless.” Notice what doesn’t happen here. The psalm writer does not curse his enemies even though he might wish to do so. Rather, he entrusts them to God and God’s justice.
Why is the psalmist able to move beyond cursing? Because he is convinced that God will bless him. God will execute justice. God will save. God will gladden the heart of his servant. The psalm ends with this confession of God’s saving power: “For [the LORD] stands at the right hand of the needy, to save them from those who would condemn them to death” (109:31).
Prayer
Gracious God, I hate it when folks at work are out to get me, or at least when it feels that way. It might be a colleague who wants to get ahead by climbing on my shoulders. Or it could be a competitor who’s trying to beat me in the marketplace. Sometimes it can even be a bad boss who has it out for me. No matter the details, it stinks when people are against me. Sometimes I just want to give up.
But you, Lord, you don’t leave me alone. You don’t abandon me. Rather you are there. You see. You know. And you will bless me. Even when others are so unkind, you are with me to build up, to nurture, and to encourage.
Even when I am being unfairly treated by others, may I be glad in you. May I rejoice in your presence and provision. May I experience the joy that comes in knowing you and serving you through my work. Amen.
Ponder Throughout the Day
When you are being mistreated at work, know that God is with you and will bless you.
For Further Reflection
Read all of Psalm 109.
You may also wish to read Psalm 22.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: What Should You Do When People Speak Poorly of You?.
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Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders,...