David received unjust persecutions and accusations along the way. He gives Psalm 7 the superscription “Shiggaion” as Habakkuk used in the third chapter of the book that bears his name. This term means “lament, grief, or mourning.” Psalm 7 was written concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite. David’s prayer provides an example of what to do when words cause great grief.

First, your prayer should express a contrite approach (Psalm 7:1-5). He writes in Psalm 51:17, “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” In the first five verses of Psalm 7, note David made a moral inventory. Psalm 139:23-24 reads, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” It is important to make sure we are innocent of accusation. Like David don’t forget to take your personal inventory.

Second, your prayer should express a confident appeal (Psalm 7:6-9). In The Integrity Crisis, Warren W. Wiersbe explains, “The core meaning of integer is ‘a whole or complete entity and is the root for the word integrity.’” Wiersbe states elsewhere, “Integrity means that your life is whole, that your heart is not divided.” David maintained his integrity like Job did. Job 27:5-6 reads, “Far be it from me That I should say you are right; Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; My heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.” Like David don’t forget to maintain your personal integrity.

Third, your prayer should express a concrete appreciation (Psalm 7:10-13). Here, I use concrete as opposed to abstract. David declares God is a righteous judge (Psalm 7:11) unlike the unjust judge in the parable of Jesus recorded in Luke 18:1-8. Abraham said, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25b). Wait for God’s verdict. Wait for God’s vindication. 1 Samuel 16:7b reads, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Therefore, human beings are incapable of judging as Jesus will (John 5:22). Jesus alone is eligible to judge all people. Like David don’t forget to admit your personal ineligibility.

While we do not know the words of a Benjamite named Cush, we do know what Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” David also prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). Dear Christian, keep these things in mind when words cause great grief.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.