“WHERE ARE YOU, LORD?”
(Psalm 8:1-9; 10:1-18; 11:1-7; 14:1-7)
Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? – Psalm 10:1
What I love about the Psalms is that they give us language and permission to express our feelings and ask hard questions about the circumstances of our lives. Likely, in your journey of faith, you have had a moment or two where you wondered, “Where are you, God?” Perhaps this day you feel God is far away or unconcerned about your present circumstances.
David asked about God’s whereabouts and attentiveness in response to seeing the wicked of his day prospering while the godly suffered at the hands of the wicked. He was questioning God’s justice and care. The majority of this psalm is David describing the disturbing wickedness, pride, greed, and injustice by the ungodly, even as they mocked God. The wicked seemed to be winning 3,000 years ago in King David’s day, and the same can appear to be true in our day as well. So, David calls for God to wake up and lift up his hand. He is pleading for God to bring immediate judgment to the wicked and immediate relief to the afflicted.
There is a righteous anger we should feel when we experience or learn of injustice. We want God to immediately bring down the wicked person. God certainly has the power to do that. Another option He has is to be patient and withhold immediate retribution. Why? Because He is exceedingly merciful. Ezekiel 18:23 explains the reason for God’s mercy: “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” So, we live in a tangled world. God may choose to bring immediate judgment upon a sinner or he may choose to withhold judgment for the time being so that the sinner may repent and turn to the path of righteousness.
David’s prayer in Psalm 10 lays out his complaint and request for God to intervene, then states what he knows to be true. The wicked think God won’t notice their deeds, but He does! The ungodly think that God won’t uphold his people, but He does! David ends with truth declarations and praise. May we, like David, in our conversation with God move from longing or doubt to confident assurance that “LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear” (Psalm 10:17) and break forth in praise, “The LORD is king forever and ever.”
There is supernatural strength and peace available to those who rely on God. Whatever you fear this day, whatever you need this day, the Lord God Almighty is King. His mercies are new every morning. If it feels as though God is not near, be assured that your feelings are not the truth of the matter. God is not distant. He is near. He hears. He sees. He will strengthen your heart. There is coming a day when every injustice will be made right. The Lord is King forever and ever!
Reflections:
- Are there parallels between the struggles David described and the challenges you are facing today?
- How can a believer process feelings of anger at injustice while trusting in God’s mercy and timing?
- When it feels God is distant, what promises from God’s Word remind you of God’s care and help, even during times of trouble?
- How has God shown you mercy and patience by sparing judgment or consequences when you deserved it?
Applications:
- Use Psalm 10 as a model for your prayer time today, articulating any struggle you face, your desires for God’s intervention, and your faith in God’s sovereignty.
- Read today’s assigned chronological reading. Choose one or two verses from the reading to meditate on throughout the day.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are the God who knows every detail of my life and every longing of my heart. Strengthen me to trust you during times of trials. Convict me when I sin against you that I might repent and experience your grace. Help me extend your grace to others. I humbly ask for your protection, provision, and presence over my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Marcia Rainey is a wife, mother, Nana, and retired educator who served eight years as principal and 11 years as a middle school Bible and science teacher at Hawthorne Christian Academy. She now spends her days with her grandson and enjoys baking, long walks with her husband, and the view from any mountain or beach. She is thrilled to be part of the TLC family serving with the children’s, life group, and women’s ministry teams.
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