Do we say "aha, aha"?

Psalm 70

To the leader. Of David, for the memorial offering.

1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me. O Lord, make haste to help me!
2 Let those be put to shame and confusion who seek my life.
Let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire to hurt me.
3 Let those who say, “Aha, Aha!” turn back because of their shame.

4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!

Two categories of people appear in this psalm. Those who desire to see David fail or humiliated. And those who rejoice in God and love the salvation God offers. These two groups seem to be set up as opposites. 

We may not have people in our lives who are seeking to kill us (vs. 2). But we all know people who are quick to criticize saying “Aha, Aha!” (vs. 3) when we make a mistake or something turns out badly for us. We may also be among those who, when someone makes a mistake, when things turn out badly for them, say “Aha, Aha!”

So, what is it that the people in vs. 4 do that stops them from being like the people in vs. 3? The difference seems to be where their attention is focused. If my attention is centered on other people and what they are doing, then I will easily slide into the “aha, aha” crowd. Critique and criticize so easily become derision and disrespect. If, however my attention is on God – vs. 4 is about those “who seek you (God)” and “those who love Your (God’s) salvation.” If my attention is centered on seeking God and loving the salvation God offers – then I have less time to criticize and run people down.

The realization of vs. 5 – “I am poor and needy” – arises from seeing who God is and the majesty and beauty of God. To meet God is to understanding ourselves as in need of a Saviour – a help and deliverer (vs. 5). When I see myself as I am, I am far less likely to join the group who “aha, aha” at the failures and mistakes of others.

PRAYER: 

Lord God, we easily say “aha, aha” at the actions and words of other people. We quickly criticize. Help us to focus our attention on you and not the failures of others. Teach us to love the salvation you offer us, and all people, more than we love criticizing others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.