NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND!
- Key Verse
- "You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more." (Psalm 10:17-18)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Despite God's apparent silence, we are reassured that He not only cares, but is involved.
Reflections
Who can't identify with Psalm 10:1? Sometimes I think David's words, "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?," could be written about my life or the lives of some of my friends and family. There are definitely times when God seems distant, even silent. Often, in the middle of my personal struggles or when I take a look at the moral landscape of society as a whole, I can interpret that silence as apathy. Soon, the word "supposedly" creeps into my thoughts about God. "God supposedly cares about me." Or "Well, God's supposedly in charge." Even though I've seen God at work time and time again, there are days I lose focus.
This seems to be happening to David as well. Throughout this psalm, he makes repeated observations about how the wicked not only prosper, but mock God in the process. The wicked man is prideful (v. 4), obscene (v. 7), and violent (v. 8), all the while thinking God won't do anything about it (v. 11). As I read through the psalm a few times, I not only sensed David's frustration, but I started to get a bit worked up, too! I began to think, "Why doesn't God do something about these people?!"
Then an odd thing happened. The voice of Lee Corso (one of ESPN's college football analysts) rang in my head, "NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND!" I started to think about my own attitudes. I had to ask myself, "Do I ever act like the wicked man in this psalm?" I can be prideful, obscene, and violent. Rather than identifying with David's frustration with the wicked and almost an impatience with God's apparent inaction, I was reminded of how much I rely on God's patience with my shortcomings.
This psalm ends with a reminder that God is actively involved and will help the righteous. However, I took this chapter as a warning about my own sinful inclinations and a chance to be thankful that God is patient with sinners—both in and out of the church family!
Discussion Questions
1. When can you identify with David in verse one? How does the reassurance at the end of the psalm challenge the way you think about God's apparent silence?2. Why do we tend to assume we are "the righteous" in every situation, the victims of "the wicked"? Is this always the case?
3. Read verse 11 again, but substitute "I" and "myself" for "He" and "himself" at the beginning. Ask God to show you if this is ever the attitude of your heart. Take a few minutes to reflect on that and ask God to help you change your attitude.
randy
January 13, 2010 08:14 PM
Thank you John for bringing us todays devo! On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, I will not be moved... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEMJBhCtU8
Chip Smith
January 14, 2010 06:01 AM
Thanks a lot, John, for making me personalize verse 11. Way to go! Just when I was looking at the other guy and not me :-)Just kiddin'. I really do appreciate your journey log this morning and helping me to also realize just how patient God is with me. I am so glad His mercy is new every morning. How many times do my actions and attitudes expect God to look the other way? Ouch! I need to remember the words of Richard Baxter, who said, "Spend your time in nothing that must be repented of." Have a great day.
Anita
January 14, 2010 06:31 AM
Thanks for the personal challenge. I, like you, always see others as "the wicked" and me as "the righteous". When I read this passage all I could think of was, "Who is more "weak" and who is more "innocent" than the orphan--abandoned, neglected and abused? With over 143,000,000 orphans in the world today the need can seem overwhelming. I take comfort in God's promise (v. 18) to defend them. Elsewhere He promises to rescue them and deliver them, to be their father. So that's where I will rest, in God's word.
Thom Kurtz
January 14, 2010 06:47 AM
Noted Christian apologist Greg Koukl explains that God would have to remove all people to eliminate evil in the world. Without free will (if we were puppets) or moral knowledge (such as animals), there is no evil, but also no good. So we would all "have to go". I pray that we focus on the good that God can use in each of us, and remember to leave the punishment for the wicked to Him. (I would post the YouTube video link, but the comments by some non-believers are too terrible for me to direct you there!) Try: www.str.org
Scott Worthington
January 14, 2010 08:36 AM
Hey John - I love spending Sunday time with Keli'i ~ he is so precious! Psalm 10 reminds me that I do not possess the wisdom to be judge over anyone who does and says things that I might think are wrong or bad. If my lips utter the same as verse 15, "Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer," then from my heart I am judging that the person deserves to have a broken arm for what I think they've done. That is just NOT in my list of qualifications. I am then reminded that I must follow the example of Jesus to completely forgive others, even though I may not agree or approve of their actions. It is through my forgiveness of others that I am truly free. The burden of bitterness and resentment is lifted and God gets to decide. I'm completely happy with that and the yoke is light...
Betsy Doolittle
January 14, 2010 09:09 AM
John- Thank you for your candor and thoughtful interpretation. I can easily substitute I and MY for He. I think that is why it is so easy for non Christians to see us as hypocrites and distrust our testimony. I know pride is the main sin in my life and it makes me ugly in my witness. Thanks for your reminder to look inward and humble ourselves before our Lord!
Ed Newell
January 14, 2010 12:02 PM
"Supposedly", what a powerful word that the enemy would love for us to embrace. But if, as you pointed out, He was to act on the "supposedlies" we would find ourselves guilty as well and deserving of His sure justice. Thanks for this right on analysis of Psalm 10. Praise God for His mercy and grace.
Terry Melle
January 14, 2010 02:53 PM
This Psalm, to me, portrays Satan/Evil (as manifested in men) in such dramatic ways. ..ignores God...self worshiping...perceives itself as invincible, as unconquerable. No matter how vast, expansive or incomprehensibly evil Satan is, God is our refuge. What sweet comfort.