“My God, don’t turn a deaf ear to my hallelujah prayer. Liars are pouring out invective on me. … Give him a short life. … Make orphans of his children. … Turn his children into begging street urchins. … Since he loved cursing so much, let curses rain down. … Oh help me, God, my God, save me through your wonderful love; Then they’ll know that your hand is in this, that you, God, have been at work” (Psalm 109, selected verses MSG).

These curses written by David don’t seem to parallel Christ’s words: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

But psalms are not pious platitudes. They give us heart-words to use when our own words fail. They are honest even if not righteous. David calls on God and details his hurt and anger. He curses his enemies and appeals to God’s justice. He pours out outrage on God’s behalf. He places himself in God’s hand. 

Human anger does not surprise God. It’s safe to give him our anger, even if it’s vengeful. If we think we need to clean ourselves up to come to God, we are forgetting that God knows the contents of our hearts and has compassion and love for us. 

Our Great Physician welcomes the opportunity to help us process and heal our pain. From the flames of anger, God picks the hot coals of the true hurts and longings. God gives forgiveness, justice, and serenity to those who stand before him with open hands and hearts.