Ok, I'll admit - I've never paid much attention to this particular Psalm. That's the benefit of writing on this blog - it makes you really read and really think about what you're reading. That said, I really like this Psalm. It's a good one to reflect on while reading the morning newspaper, especially when the headlines remind us of all the evil perpetrated around us every day.
David is unbelievably honest with God. He has the nerve to ask God the question that most of us have had, but probably been afraid to ask... "Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?" (v 1) Sometimes it really seems like God has exited the scene just when you need Him most. Even though we know that is not true, it can sure feel like it.
David is overwhelmed and frustrated by the arrogance of the wicked. He says "The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are 'There is no God.'" (v 4) He continues to lament the apparent success of the wicked by saying "His (the wicked man's) ways prosper at all times; Your (God's) judgments are on high, out of his sight; As for all his adversaries, he snorts at them." (v 5).
Then David beseeches the Lord to act! "Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Your hand. Do not forget the afflicted."(v 12) He goes on to say "The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the healer of the orphan. BREAK THE ARM of the wicked and the evildoer, Seek out his wickedness until You find none." (v 14b-15)
In the last three verses, he concludes with praise and hope. "The Lord is King forever and ever... O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, That man who is of the earth may cause terror no more."
Lord, remind us that you have the victory. Help us not to lose hope or lose heart, even when it appears that evil has and is overcoming good in this world. Help us to strive to bring the ultimate reconciliation of Christ to hurting people all around us. Amen.
2 comments:
I think it is interesting that the Psalms seem to be unedited. You know? David's highs, his lows, his fears, his doubts, his pain of loss, his pain when betrayed, his hope--it is all there... laid out to God.
The question 'why?'--so unanswerable by humans--is asked by David to God--the only One who can answer it. There is a beauty in the 'raw' ness of his expression that allows us to identify with what he is feeling. David's healing comes when he looks at God, His character, his love and care for His people. David teaches us that we are healed through worshipping the Almighty God.
This is an incredibly honest Psalm. Thanks for your thoughts Chris.
I think it is interesting that the Psalms seem to be unedited. You know how you write and consider, 'What should I leave in?' David's highs, his lows, his fears, his doubts, his pain of loss, his pain when betrayed, his hope--it is all there... laid out to God.
The question 'why?'--so unanswerable by humans--is asked by David to God--the only One who actually can answer it. There is a beauty in the 'raw' ness of his expression that allows us to identify with what he is feeling. David's healing comes when he looks at God: His character, His love and care for His people. David teaches us that we are healed through worshipping and praising the Almighty God.
This is an incredibly honest Psalm. Thanks for your thoughts Chris.
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