If you have ever wondered why it seems that God is distant when you feel overwhelmed by troubles, then take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. The psalmist expressed this very feeling when he asked: “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do you hide in times of trouble?” This deep sigh (v. 1) that begins Psalm 10 is transformed into a song by the conclusion (verses 10-14). What did the psalmist do to go from a sigh to a song in times of trouble?
First, he was honest. He does not pretend; he does not lie to himself about his situation or his nagging questions. He had two gut wrenching inquiries of Jehovah (v. 1). Then, he honestly assessed the wicked’s mistreatment of the poor and expressed his holy desire for justice upon these workers of iniquity (v. 2).
Next, he beheld the wicked (vv. 3-14). Their mouths are perverse—they boast selfishly and bless the wicked (v. 3). They are proud and completely devoid of God (v. 4). Their ways are grievous (v. 5). They are deceived by a false sense of security (v. 6). Their mouths are wicked (v. 7); their motives are evil (v. 8); their actions are perverse (vv. 9-10). Their hearts are blasphemous (vv. 11, 13).
Finally, he beheld Jehovah. God does arise; He does lift up His hand of deliverance of the good and destruction of the evil; He does not forget the humble (v. 12). Jehovah sees (v. 14); Jehovah rules (v. 16); Jehovah hears (v. 17). Jehovah is just. He will “do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more” (v. 18).
God is not deceived by the pretentions of the wicked nor is He mocked by the shameless presumption of those who trouble the righteous. They who have sown the wind of sin and evil will reap the whirlwind of God’s wrath and destruction.
Every time.
