What is your response in dealing with discouraging people? As you go through life you quickly realize there is no shortage of people who will frustrate you. You know they type of people I’m talking about, they seem to have the spiritual gift of criticism. King David of Israel had his share of critics – how did he deal with them? Psalm Five reveals David’s plan for dealing with discouraging people,

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning.
Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray.
In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. (Psalm 5:1-3)

You can sense the desperation that David was feeling in these verses. He seeks God early in the morning in prayer to find relief from his foes. Psalm Five has been called a spiritual breakfast for facing a challenging day. After David requests an audience with God, he then focuses on the character and righteousness of God,

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You.
The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity.
You destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit. (Psalm 5:4-6)

It’s amazing how our perspective can be renewed when we turn our focus from our problems to God. David then pleads his case and asks for God to lead him and make his way straight,

But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house, at Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.
O Lord, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes; make Your way straight before me. (Psalm 5:7-8)

David did not want to be brought down to the level of his adversaries. You cannot prevent others from attacking you, but you do have control over your response to their attacks. David then gives us a snapshot of those who are attacking not only him but also the righteousness of God,

There is nothing reliable in what they say; their inward part is destruction itself.
Their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.
Hold them guilty, O God; by their own devices let them fall!
In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, for they are rebellious against You. (Psalm 5:9-10)

The Apostle Paul quoted this passage as he described the sinfulness of mankind in Romans chapter three. David ends on note of confidence in God’s concern and protection for the righteous,

But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.
For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)

Did you notice God’s promise for you? If you take refuge in God, then you will not merely get by but you will be able to sing for joy! Be encouraged that God will surround you with His favor as a shield. If God is for you then who can be against you!

In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? (Psalm 56:4)