Scripture:
Psalm 11:2-4
2: for look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Observation:
The word of the Lord echoes across centuries, continents and rulers. King David writes over 3000 years ago and he could be writing for us today. Today, the senseless terror attacks and evil assassinations cause us to ask if, “the foundations are being destroyed? What can the righteous do?”
Around the world, evil causes us to tremble. Terror attacks across the world have innocent people fearing for their lives. Assassins pick off our protectors and compare it to the Boston Tea Party. Agitators are spreading hate and polarizing our society. Look how similar today is to 3000 years ago. Ps 10:2 “In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart. He blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.” Can this not be said about many people today?
More… Ps 10: 7 “His mouth is full of lies and threats, trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; like a lion in cover he lies in wait.” One who does not study God’s word would be astonished by how those words echo today. Those of us who live by God’s words are not surprised we know how often His word speaks across the centuries and miles.
Application:
So then what can we do? Do we “flee like a bird to the mountains”? It seems like the “times of trouble” are not ending. Rather, how can we not see that it will get worse? We may ask the same question of God, “Why Lord, do you stand so far off?” Many non-believers may ask, “How can a loving God allow this evil?” These fears and doubts are the same kinds of fears that King David had 3000 years ago.
Ps 10:16 “The Lord is King for ever and ever; the Lord hears the cry of the afflicted.”
We should never forget that, 11:4 “the Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth.” 11:6 “On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur.”
Today and forever, the Lord rules the world. God is on his throne and he rules with justice and glory. God perfectly knows every man’s true character. Even though the evil may prosper for a season, God is holy and hates evil. He is a righteous judge. Their punishment will be inevitable and terrible. Though honest and good people may be run down and trampled upon, God loves them all. 11:7 “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.” The reward for those of us who love him will be eternity in heaven.
Prayer:
Lord, help me trust you in a day and time when it seems like the righteous are losing. Help me love others and point them towards your Holy Justice and your steadfast love. May I be reminded that the reward I will receive was, is and always be a gift I don’t deserve. Help me be patient with those who are still running from you. May I care for all people because you do.