An Odyssey in the Psalms: Psalm 10
Psalm 10
In this psalm, we discover a questioning, an analysis from David and an intercession based on a solid faith.
THE QUESTIONNING
We here see that David is not afraid to question God on things he does not understand. It seems to him that God hides when on of his children is in troubles, or when he encounters a wicked on his way.
1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?
2 The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
Have you ever been in this situation? A victim of the enemy’s plots when he uses someone in your relation? Because we should not forget this important thing: when somebody in our entourage does wrong to us, there is always the influence of the enemy of our souls behind it all.
We are not called to fight against flesh and blood (that is; what our eyes see), but against spiritual dominions and authority.
THE ANALYSIS:
In the continuing of this psalm, David reveals to us what he came to discover by paying attention to the doings of the wicked men of his time. Sadly, this description is still valid for the men and women of our time!
3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.
6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.
7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.
9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.
10 He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.
11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.
THE INTERCESSION:
This analysis done, David does not stop there. Else, that would sound like negative criticism, with the only result to propagate roots of bitterness, bringing desolation in the life of every child of God.
He goes further. He uses this realistic observation to lift to God an intercession based on his faith that nothing escapes to Him.
He lifts to the throne of grace the miserable and the victims of the wicked men of his time.
12 Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.
13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.
CERTAINTIES:
14 Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.
16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
17 LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:
18 To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
When the winds of adversity blow over our lives, freezing with dread your soul, rethink of the certainties contained in this psalm.
God looks down on us. It’s Him who comes to help us.
He listens to our commitments to serve Him, even if the price for this service is temporary suffering.
The Lord assures us He will strengthen our heart, He watches and listens, to dispense justice.
Brothers and sisters do not give up!
Prayer:
“Lord, I ask you to keep me in your ways and in your love, no matter what will happen, good or bad in my life. I want to always remember that I am not alone on this earth. You are there, by my sides, ready to intervene to heal me, to deliver and encourage me! ”
Have a great week!
Jacques Brouillard