How can we support others facing "sudden" verbal attacks as in Psalm 64:4? Seeing the Situation Through Psalm 64 " 4 “They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.” (Psalm 64:4) David pictures enemies loosing arrows from hiding—swift, unexpected, and meant to wound. Words can pierce just as sharply today. Knowing this verse is literally true—about real arrows then and real verbal assaults now—grounds our response in God’s unchanging Word. Remembering Who God Is for the Wounded • Psalm 64:7—“But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded.” The Lord answers sudden attacks with His own decisive action. • Exodus 14:14—“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” • Romans 12:19—“‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Because He defends, we do not need to strike back; instead, we come alongside the one who was struck. Listening Before Speaking • James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” • Proverbs 18:13 – “He who answers before he listens—it is folly and shame to him.” Practical steps: – Give full attention—eye contact, gentle posture, no phone in hand. – Let them recount the attack without interrupting. – Acknowledge pain with phrases like, “That had to hurt,” rather than rushing to fix. Using Words That Mend, Not Deepen Wounds • Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” • Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” Speak: – Truth: Affirm their worth (“You are God’s workmanship,” Ephesians 2:10). – Perspective: Remind them the attack does not define them; Christ does (Colossians 3:3). – Hope: Point to God’s promised justice (Psalm 37:5–7). Standing Beside Them in Prayer and Presence • Galatians 6:2 – “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Ways to carry: – Pray with them—asking God to be their shield (Psalm 3:3) and healer (Psalm 147:3). – Check in regularly; a simple text or visit signals they are not alone. – Offer practical help: accompany them to difficult meetings, sit with them at church, give space to decompress. Guarding Against Retaliation • Romans 12:17 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” • 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” Encourage: – Pause before responding; emotions cool, wisdom grows (Proverbs 29:11). – If a reply is necessary, help craft one marked by grace and truth (Colossians 4:6). Pointing Them to Eternal Perspective • 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” • Psalm 64:10 – “The righteous will rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; all the upright in heart will glory.” Remind them that every arrow loosed today will be answered by God’s justice and eclipsed by future joy. Equipping Them with Scripture for the Next Encounter Provide verses to memorize or keep on hand: – Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” – Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon formed against you shall prevail.” – Matthew 5:44 – “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” God’s Word becomes the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) that extinguishes fresh arrows. Celebrating God’s Faithful Deliverance When the storm calms, help them look back and see how the Lord defended, healed, and grew them. Recount answered prayers, changed hearts, and new strengths—fuel for worship and preparation for future battles. By taking these steps—listening, speaking life, sharing burdens, discouraging retaliation, and anchoring in Scripture—we honor the Lord who defends the innocent and tangibly support those pierced by sudden words. |
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