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.