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 13 How Long?

When I was dating my wife Ana, I decided once to pay her a visit by surprise. She was working near the capital city and she was living near work. I was a College student and was living three hours away. My plan backfired because she wasn't at her apartment when I arrived. Her roommate told me she had left early in the day and was not sure when she was going to be back. I decided to wait for her. I remember how difficult it was to sit in wait, but my desire to see her was so strong that I waited over six hours to see her.  I was certain that she would come to that place, and that certainty kept me there. After I saw her beautiful face, the hours did not seem that important anymore.

So it is in our wait for our King. Jesus has promised to return for his people and judge the living and the dead. At times, it seems he is not going to show up, especially in times of difficulty. But we know his promises are true. Faith is to follow God with assurance and immunity to doubt trusting in his promises for today and hoping in his promises for our future. We can trust that Jesus will come back to settle the score between the just and the unjust. We can count on God coming to restore Creation and redeem us from evil, injustice, pain, and suffering.

Trust is what God wants from me. A trust that compels me to obey his commandments. A trust that keeps me wondering of the day and the hour in which he will come. A trust that rejoices in the wait though it is long and painful. A trust that keeps me on the edge with expectation. A trust that simply will not quit no matter how long the wait is.

Jesus has not left us alone. We have the Holy Spirit in us who offers us a taste of eternity day by day. He comforts us and ministers to us in our hour of distress. He allows us to experience some of the joy and delight of being in the presence of God Almighty. He offers us day by day so many gifts and blessings that make us sing out of thanksgiving and keep us waiting patiently, enduring all circumstances of life.

How long must we wait until the return of our King? No one knows. Psalm 13 tells me that I must contemplate the salvation that God has given me and count my blessings. This will move my heart to understand that what I wait for is so much better than this world and so worth the wait. It will move me to even sing.

Father, grant me patience to wait for your Son. Help me rejoice in the salvation you have given as I count my blessings. Place a song in my heart for you every day.