JANUARY 14
Psalm 10:1, “Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
The psalmist’s concern is one that is sometimes felt, but seldom “telt”. Though we may wonder about the lack of God’s intervention in a situation, we seldom voice our concerns to others. Why doesn’t God do something about all the troubles that I see? The psalmist wondered about that.
He was well-aware of the wicked ways of evildoers—their ruthlessness, boastful arrogance, ungodliness, bully-like behavior, and blasphemous words. He wondered how they could prosper despite their atheism. He knew God to be a righteous judge, so how could he then allow them to get away with all their mischief?
In the end, the psalmist confidently put the matter in God’s hands (Psalm 10:16-18). He trusted God to deal with such things in his own way and in his own time. We’ve been called to do the same. There is evil in the world, but it is never okay to respond in kind to evil doers. We are to never avenge ourselves, understanding that vengeance belongs to God, and he will repay (Romans 12:19). As with Jesus, our part is to not be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). God is not missing; in due time, he will settle all accounts.
Though it might seem sometimes that God is missing, He who knows all and judges righteously will settle all accounts in due time.
Application questions: Can you relate to the psalmist’s question? Is the prosperity of the wicked something that troubles you? How can a better understanding of the nature of God, work to alleviate some of your concerns? Can you trust him to deal with the troublesome situations in your own life—in his own time and his own way?
LookingtoJesus 