Sometimes God seems far away. We perceive He isn’t listening to us. Events in our lives are running out of control. Things aren’t coming together or making sense. Injustice runs rampant in the world. People struggle under the weight of great burdens. Our family is experiencing that right now with a large hospital bill after an expected visit to the emergency room.
The Psalmist had a similar experience when God seemed far off and hiding in his time of trouble (Psalm 10:1). Things were going from bad to worse. He was being chased by the wicked and feeling very vulnerable (Psalm 10:2-3).
The prideful seem to prosper even though they don’t seek God (Psalm 10:4-5). We see the wicked killing innocent people and lurking stealthily to catch the unfortunate so they can be drawn into their net just as when Cain murdered his brother, Abel, in Gen. 4 (Psalm 10:8-9).
Those who take advantage of people rationalize that God has either forgotten, doesn’t care or isn’t watching (Psalm 10:11). The victim naturally desires revenge and hopes God doesn’t turn a deaf ear or blind eye, but instead takes action against the gross injustice (Psalm 10:15).
How does God respond to our need? First, He strengthens the heart of humble people so they have a sense of well-being with their hearts fixed upon God and assurance He will intervene. Second, God inclines His ear with undivided listening attention to their prayers by defending their cause (Psalm 10:17-18a).
What are the results? Because God is King of the nations, He deals with the wicked in His way and time to put an end to their ungodly behavior (Psalm 10:16,18b).
In summary, we face people who pursue their our own interests to hurt others. This injustice comes out of a proud and greedy heart where the fear of God is absent. The wicked takes advantage of the unfortunate and afflicted person by drawing him or her into his net. The wicked is unaware that God is watching every evil deed and will ultimately defeat their schemes.
As we call upon God, He will strengthen our hearts and defeat evil until we are vindicated. Ask God right now to defeat a specific evil deed in your life, city or country.
