Psalm 17 Vindication

While in this world, Christians will always be despised by unbelievers. The scientific community says we are closed minded, social groups say we are fanatics, and others just plain think religion is not the way to go. But as long as we are on this planet, we are called to be witnesses for the kingdom of God. We should never hide our light from the world. Unfortunately, the accusations that come against us are sometimes heavy upon us and a cry for vindication arises in our hearts. The desire to be clear of blame or even suspicion is a cry for justice deep within our hearts. Unfortunately, we are not to take justice in our own hands and vindication comes from the Lord.

In this lament in Psalm 17, David cries out to the Lord for the many false accusation made against him and pleads with the Lord for his vindication. If there is one thing I can learn from this Psalm is that I need to pray when I feel that I have been mistreated, falsely accused, or misjudged. Prayer in the presence of God makes the difference between bitterness and resentment and fullness of joy. Whether the accusations come from the world or from brothers and sisters, I am to seek God with all my heart.

Though David was asking for God to act in the here and now, he realizes that vindication sometimes will not be exacted until the end of times. He was content to exclaim: 

"15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." 

We may never receive our vindication in this lifetime. Many prophets and servants of God did not receive theirs while in this life. But one day, we will be vindicated in full. For now, we should behold God's face and look forward to the day when we awake and will be satisfied with his likeness. That day will come! We will be vindicated! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Father, fill my heart with joy everlasting. May I seek you and find in you my refuge. Give me endurance to wait for my full vindication on that day. Don't let my heart become resentful or bitter while I await.
Amen.

Psalm 10 The Unbelieving Heart

According to Psalm 10, there are certain things the unbelieving heart tells itself. It is sort of a self-talk that resonates throughout the day. The first one is: "There is no God." Even if unbelievers may intellectually assent to the existence of God, their lifestyles proclaim that he does not exist in reality. Living life completely independent from a relationship with God is a statement that, even if there is one, I am not interested in him. Even as believers, we may struggle at times with the understanding that God exists. God calls me to have faith in him - to trust him and obey him because he is interested in having a relationship with me at a very personal level.

The other thing that the unbelieving heart tells itself is "I shall not be moved; throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity." This is some kind of invincibility that defies life every day. Other people have car accidents; others suffer diseases; others lose their homes to an earthquake, but not me. It is to live in denial of even the possibility of pain and suffering knocking at my door. Unfortunately, it is a rude awakening for me when I am struck by pain, suffering, or injustice. God does not call me to be invincible or even think that I am invincible. He calls me to depend on him to provide all that I need even when I walk through such extenuating circumstances.

Another thought that comes from the unbelieving heart is: "God has forgotten, he has hidden his face, he will never see it." This thought becomes a comforting thought especially for those who practice evil regularly. But it can strike even the most devout believer in a moment of weakness. The only way I can entertain this though is to forget or ignore who God really is. He is Omniscient, he is all knowing. There is nothing hidden from him. He is Omnipresent, he is ever present everywhere. There is nowhere I can go to hide from him. Everything in my life is an open book to him. He knows my thoughts, my motivations, and my actions. He calls me to rein them in to conform to his commandments and teachings.

The last thought found in Psalm 10 that comes from an unbelieving heart is: "You will not call to account." It is also a comforting thought for those who practice evil on a regular basis and even for the devout in a moment of weakness. Many believe that God is so good that he will never call anyone to account. But God is also a God of justice and must judge those who break his law. Believing that God does not call to account becomes a license to practice whatever my selfish desires want. It is to throw away all boundaries. It is to believe I can get away with murder. Fortunately, God is still on his throne and he has promised to judge the living and the dead on that day.

Father, quiet down my soul when these thoughts arise from my own heart. Grant me faith to know that you exist, that you see me, that you take note of all I think, say, and do. Help me trust in you in my hour of pain and suffering. Help me believe in Judgment Day and live with the expectation that you will call me to account. Amen.