How can we "awaken" our faith to trust God's justice in Psalm 35:23? The Cry of Psalm 35:23 “Awaken and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and Lord!” (Psalm 35:23) David is hounded by false accusers. He appeals to the God who inspired every word of this psalm—words that stand true and literal for every generation. Why David Pleads for God to Awaken • Human experience: God’s timing can feel delayed, so it seems as if He sleeps. • Covenant confidence: David knows the LORD has pledged to uphold justice (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Personal relationship: “my God and Lord” shows trust that invites divine action. God Never Sleeps, Yet He Invites Our Cry • “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4) • The language of awakening is relational, not literal—God calls His people to engage Him actively. • Our pleas become acts of worship that align us with His already-wakeful justice. The Foundation: God’s Unchanging Justice • Justice flows from His character (Isaiah 30:18). • He judges impartially (Acts 10:34). • Vengeance belongs to Him alone (Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30). Steps to Awaken Our Faith to Trust His Justice 1. Recall past deliverances – Review personal testimonies and biblical victories (1 Samuel 17:37; Psalm 34:4). 2. Immerse in God’s promises – Read psalms of vindication daily (Psalm 7, 37, 94). 3. Declare His justice aloud – Speaking truth counters inner doubt (Proverbs 18:21). 4. Submit wrongs to Him immediately – Hand over offense before bitterness seeds (Ephesians 4:26-27). 5. Wait with expectancy, not passivity – “Be patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8) 6. Keep doing good while you wait – Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Scriptures That Anchor the Heart • Psalm 7:6 — “Rise up, O LORD, in Your anger; lift Yourself against the fury of my foes.” • Isaiah 51:9 — “Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD.” • Luke 18:7-8 — God “will quickly carry out justice for them.” • Revelation 19:11 — Christ rides forth, “faithful and true, and in righteousness He judges.” Living Out Wakeful Faith Today • Speak Psalm 35:23 whenever injustice looms. • Trust that the Judge already stands at the door, ready to act (James 5:9). • Keep eyes fixed on Christ, whose cross and resurrection guarantee ultimate vindication (Colossians 2:14-15). Awakened faith refuses despair, choosing instead the settled confidence that God’s justice—sure, literal, and timely—will prevail. |
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