Getting Even

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the LORD.” Romans 12:19

“The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” John E. Southland

How do we not take revenge on someone who abused us, financially ruined us, or harmed a loved one? How? The feelings are intense with rage, and plots to avenge consume every breath. I wanted to get even with Lewy body dementia and child sex-trafficking but powerlessness reigned instead. The words in my heart and mind would melt glass.

And getting even is an experience filled with futility!

Then I read the Psalms about how the Father will fight and is fighting the enemy. Then I prayed the Psalms. Here are a few:

Psalm 68:1 KJV Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. 

Psalm 35:1 KJV Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. 

Psalm 3:7-8 KJV Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. 

What images! I’ve got to confess, broken teeth made me laugh when I started over in life after an abusive relationship. The Father never gets tired of your venting and spitting frustration. Look what happened to His Son. Look at how it turned out. We can rest assured He knows what we’re going through.

We do not fight against flesh and blood. So our weapons are not what the world uses. Our weapons are Divine. Paul promises in 2 Corinthians 10:4 that Divine Power can destroy strongholds. I struggle with this every day! But more and more, I see the problems in this world are spiritual and the answer is the spiritual. As the song goes, “It’s a Holy War.”

Musings

Holding on to vengeance, and getting even is a waste of time and ruins a full and rich life. The Father promises to take care of evil and I believe him. He took care of our sins through His Son. Living a beautiful and loving life is the best way to get even with peace and contentment.  What we spend our thoughts and time with are our lives.

Prayer

Dear Father,

You’re on our side, no matter the situation, the person or the feelings. Thank you for taking our turbulent emotions and reassuring us. You know what’s best. Enemies are a fact of life here, but you go bring us through hardships and painful experiences to a safe place because You love us. Thank you for a full and abundant life here and forever with You.

Amen.