As we look around the world today we see so many people who toss God aside, mocking Him at every turn. Quite frequently that treatment also extends to believers, God’s children. This can get difficult for us, as the attacks can sometimes get quite personal, and sometimes we may wish to bring vengeance on them. Our psalmist for today was also concerned about this. Let’s look at this psalm he wrote, and see what God is saying in His Word.
Our anonymous psalmist felt surrounded by people who did not love or care for God. They were God’s enemies. He is concerned that the righteous are being oppressed while the wicked prosper. Many of us might feel the same way as we look around the world today. As we read through this psalm, we see his cries to God, that God would take action against the injustice he sees. Some people may even feel like taking matters into their own hands against these wicked people. However our psalmist knows that vengeance truly belongs to God, and not himself, and he should leave it to Him (vs. 1). Unlike with us, God’s vengeance is not uncontrolled vindictiveness, but just retribution by the Eternal Judge for sins against Him and His Word.
The psalmist knows that God will protect and care for the righteous. We can grow weary when everywhere we look we see those who toss God aside. However, God promises to be a shelter for His children. He promises to keep His people from the severe punishment awaiting the wicked. Since God is holy and just, we can be certain that the wicked will not prevail.
As we read through this psalm, let’s pause at a few of the verses, and ponder what they are saying. Throughout the psalm, the author alternates between speaking to God, speaking to the wicked, and speaking to fellow believers and followers of God. In verse 7, he tells of how the wicked believe that either God doesn’t exist, or that He doesn’t bother with what goes on in the world. That is certainly the same way today. People who follow after sin today just don’t care about God or what He thinks, and their actions show it. But in verses 8-11, the psalmist warns these people that God does, indeed, see and make note of everything going on, and will judge.
In verse 12 we read that sometimes God needs to discipline us when we’ve strayed from His ways, just as a parent does to a child. And just like it is for the child, it is for our own good (Hebrews 12:5-11). When we feel God’s correction we should accept it as proof of His love.
Verse 14 is one to bring us comfort, telling us that God will never abandon His children, those who have come to Him through the Blood of Jesus. As also promised in Hebrews 13:5, God has said He will never abandon His children. Sometimes we may feel as though we have let God down, or are not good enough, and that He might just toss us aside. However, God’s love for His Blood-bought children is not based on our performance, but on the once and for all finished work of Jesus Christ.
I am a person who is prone to frequently getting anxious and worried. Perhaps you are, too. Verse 19 is for us, then. When anxious thoughts multiply into multitudes, God’s consolations and comforts are there to delight us. When we come to the place where our foot is slipping (vs. 18), then God reaches out in His great love and mercy, and He supports us and saves us. When we have times of anxiety, trouble, and fear, God comes with His consolation. Don’t let the devil rob us of our peace. God wants to calm our worries and concerns, and give us hope to overcome our distress.
Once again, thank you, especially for the last paragraph.
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