Central Truth

God hears, encourages, and defends the afflicted and the oppressed.

Reflections

If we ever want to have a lesson on the character of wickedness and the character of persecution, we have come to the right place. We also get a birds-eye view of Satan. Needless to say he encompasses all the negative character traits revealed in this chapter. He is, again, presented as the roaring lion, crouched waiting for his prey.

So many times we seem to think that we have jetted beyond that ancient era of Scripture; that we have culturally advanced beyond what God's people were dealing with in those days. But many times we are caught up in doing the same things. When that happens to me, I have to back up and get grounded in God's word. Then I find myself reveling in the promise of His ultimate victory.

Do any of these descriptions draw you to see what is in our world today: Arrogance, schemes devised (Psalm 10:2), boastfulness, greed (Psalm 10:3), pride, no room for God (Psalm 10:4), mouth full of curses, lies, threats, trouble and evil (Psalm 10: 7), watching in secret he waits to catch the helpless and crushes them (Psalm 10: 8-10)?

Daily we see our nation's financial calamity worsening, segments of those in power abusing position and authority, and evil pouncing on good in attempts to extinguish the Light. We see persecution of those professing Christ (Tim Tebow) on television by the liberal media. Constantly, missionaries sold out to Christ, have their lives threatened. We have all been victims to some kind of injustice as evil continues to gnaw away at the lives of believers.

While we plead and pray, as David did, for this to cease and for God to "reign" down justice, we must honor God for who He is, King forever and ever. He is the Lord of heaven. He hears the desires and cries of our hearts in our afflictions. He encourages us. He is our Defender in whose ultimate victory we can trust.

Lord, we give you glory and honor, faithfully knowing that in your time, justice will be rendered.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you respond when you see the evil in today's world?
2. To whom do you cry out when the reality of today's news gnaws away at your peace?
3. How will your prayers be changed as a result of Psalm 10?