May 16, 2022
Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)
At first glance the opening stanza of Psalm 10 strikes us as less than pious. But at a second glance it strikes us as right on the mark. It is, after all, a prayer of lament.
Still, it may not be our normal way of addressing God. We tend to use with nice, polite words, often, with little emotion. But this psalm expresses how we often experience life and invites us to bring to God all the raw emotion we feel about the unfairness of life.
When life is tough, we often ask, “Where is God?” and we often think something is amiss with our religion. We may conclude it's not working. But this psalmist makes God's absence normal.
Why do we not pray like this psalmist? Let me make this suggestion. We have taken the doctrine of the incarnation to an illogical conclusion!
In his final words to his disciples Jesus made this promise, "I am with you to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). I totally believe Jesus keeps this promise.
But we have interpreted this to mean that we will always be able to feel His presence. Further, we believe it means our lives will by and large be the way we want them to be. I believe both these things are wrong.
Jesus promised to be with us as we fulfill the mission which he gave us. He did not promise to make our lives smooth or that we would always feel the balm of our faith.
It must also be said that God's purposes are rarely understood by us. The disciples certainly didn't get Jesus very well. Jesus said that His kingdom is hidden.
This is the matter that the psalmist is lamenting. He firmly believes that the Lord is King forever and forever (16). He also believes that God hears and defends the helpless and the oppressed (17-18). His problem is that he does not see it.
He is frustrated that the arrogant are having their way in this world. They tend to have the power; thus, they get to call the shots. Their wrecking ball is destroying society. It's become a blood bath.
It's the same today, isn't it? Murdering dictators in other countries and ruthless business leaders and dishonest politicians in ours. How do we live in such a society?
First, we allow Psalm 10 to shape our prayers. We willingly look at the horrible ways that human society functions: the war, the poverty, the human trafficking, the destruction of the planet. And seeing this, we take the time for lament. We feel the pain of creation in turmoil, and we bring it all before God, daring to tell him that he better see what we are seeing.
Second, we do not join the arrogant in their lifestyles. We deliberately look at our lifestyles to discover the ways we may be contributing to the chaos. Do we know who is producing the products we buy? Are the workers getting a fare wage? How does the power we have impact others?
Third, we 'act justly; we love mercy; and we walk humbly with our God' (Micah 6:8). We follow Jesus and partner with God in redeeming activities. Only God can establish his kingdom. Yet, he chooses to use us in the process. Jesus went out to meet those in need of him. Where will we go to meet those who need us?