Why do You stand afar off, O LORD?
Why do You hide in times of trouble?
The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire;
He blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD.
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts.
His ways are always prospering;
Your judgments are far above, out of his sight;
As for all his enemies, he sneers at them.
He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
I shall never be in adversity.”
His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression;
Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity.
(Psalm 10:1-7, NKJV)
Sometimes, I watch the news or read the headlines (online, of course), and it seems like the bad guys are winning … a lot.
The writer of this psalm described our world really, really well. It’s full of people who are prospering and prideful. Even more, countless deny the existence of the one true God.
Deceit. Cursing. Renouncing the Lord. Sound familiar?
It’s almost painful when it seems like those of us who follow Jesus are losing—jobs, health, relationships—when the “wicked” are thriving. And we cry the words of the psalmist,
“Why do You stand afar off, O LORD?”
I’ve asked the same question. Days when I have to drag myself from bed because the pain is so intense. Days when politicians are caught in lies—but “spin” their way out. Days when people die in catastrophic earthquakes while celebrities talk of their triple-digit car purchase.
“Why do You hide in times of trouble?”
Yes, sometimes it seems like God is far away, hiding in times of trouble. Sometimes it feels like the enemy is indeed winning. And it’s really hard.
During these times, my hope comes from a favorite verse. I pray as you face your own enemy, these words will give you hope too.
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33, NASB)
Our enemies may be winning a battle or two, but our Lord Jesus Christ has already won the war.
2 comments:
Thank you Sauni for timely words so aptly spoken. Yes, at times it is easy to wonder where God has gone and even feel abandoned in the middle of confusion. The promise that God is here and is, not only in control, but carrying out His plan for winning is a true comfort.
Sauni, it's so true. Everywhere you look or listen...it's true! I wonder the same thing too sometimes and I admit...I also wonder where God is at times...But, then I remember he is in the midst of it all!
Thanks for the reminder!
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