A Psalm for Those Being Cyber-Bullied

I've been thinking a lot about cyber bullying lately. I am increasingly realizing how technology is being used as a tool to torment and tear down teenagers across the country. Sadly, many teenagers are using the opportunity of "anonymous" posting to say things they would never say face to face (or if they could be identified online). 

In connection with all of this, I know that teenagers who are being bullied can feel very helpless. They don't know where to go or what to do. Recently, I shared a link to a website that gives a long list of places to go and ways to report cyber bullying. Don't ignore it. Report it. Use this information. (Report Cyberbullying)

However, I also want to give you another place to turn in the midst of cyberbullying--the Psalms. The Psalms are the prayer/song book of the Bible. It's there to help us learn how to pray and to give us words to pray in the midst of the hardships and rejoicing of life. Yes, there is even a Psalm that is relevant to cyber bullying. If you are experiencing cyberbullying, pray through this Psalm regularly. If you know someone who is experiencing cyberbullying, share this with them and encourage them to pray through it regularly. Make it your own. Change some of it to fit your situation. Continue presenting this before God. It's powerful. 

Psalm 52 (from The Message)

Why do you brag of evil, “Big Man”?

       God’s mercy carries the day.

 You scheme catastrophe;

       your tongue cuts razor-sharp,

       artisan in lies.

 You love evil more than good,

       you call black white.

 You love malicious gossip,

       you foul-mouth.

God will tear you limb from limb,

       sweep you up and throw you out,

 Pull you up by the roots

       from the land of life.

Good people will watch and

       worship. They’ll laugh in relief:

 “Big Man bet on the wrong horse,

       trusted in big money,

       made his living from catastrophe.”

And I’m an olive tree,

       growing green in God’s house.

 I trusted in the generous mercy

       of God then and now.

I thank you always

       that you went into action.

 And I’ll stay right here,

       your good name my hope,

       in company with your faithful friends.