In the opening verses of Psalm 7, David is writing in response to being falsely accused of trying to kill King Saul and seize the throne for himself (read about this story in 1 Samuel 24:9-11). David knows the accusations are not true. It is mere slander directed at him. But take a look at how he decides to handle his current circumstances. David is stirred with emotion as he cries out to God here in Psalm 7:1-8 (MSG):

“God! God! I am running to you for dear life (emphasis mine); the chase is wild. If they catch me, I’m finished (emphasis mine): ripped to shreds by foes fierce as lions, dragged into the forest and left unlooked for, unremembered. God, if I’ve done what they say betrayed my friends, ripped off my enemies. If my hands are really that dirty, let them get me, walk all over me, leave me flat on my face in the dirt. Stand up, God; pit your holy fury against my furious enemies. Wake up, God. My accusers have packed the courtroom; it’s judgment time. Take your place on the bench (emphasis mine), reach for your gavel, throw out the false charges against me. I’m ready, confident (emphasis mine) in your verdict: “Innocent.””

The Message paraphrase says it all doesn’t it? How many times have you felt like you have “run for dear life” from situations that are going on in your life? I sure can name a few. But look what David does. He doesn’t take matters into his own hands when he’s falsely accused. He realizes who has the final say and submits the issue to God right off the bat as if to say “Here God. This is my problem and it’s bigger than me. I didn’t do anything wrong but if I did let me know and I will pay the consequences. If not, I know you will judge me as…Innocent.”

Awesome isn’t it. He knows what happened and will judge me accordingly. I know I’ve been falsely accused of a few things by so called friends. The things they accused me of never happened. My name was thrown around at backyard cookouts and other social gatherings like I was the bad guy. As the rumor-mill began to churn, I admit I allowed things like anxiety and anger to build up inside. I held onto these things and then allowed myself to get “bogged” down in worthless chatter with other people. What I failed to do was run to God when I was first falsely accused. He would have given me strength to face my accuser, the words to say (if any) and the courage to listen the truth instead of the lies being spewed.

Praise God it’s never too late to start over with God. He gives us second, third, fourth even forty-fourth chances. Have you ever been falsely accused of something? Did you turn everything over to God and let him handle it or did you try to take matters into you own hands?

The next time you’re falsely accused, give it to God – He is the only perfect judge and He will get you through to the other side.