When God seems far off and hidden.
Psalm 10.
A crisis of faith Psalm 10:1
The Lord is a place of safety for those who have been treated badly. He keeps them safe in times of trouble.
Psalm 9, verse 9
Lord, why are you so far away?
… but now, Psalm 10, verse 1
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
God seems out of the picture. The wicked have moved to the centre.
A portrait of the wicked Psalm 10:2-11
A very full description!
Harmful, arrogant, atheistic, trouble-free.
The response of the faithful Psalm 10:12-18
What kind of theologian are you? Is your knowledge of God based on your circumstances, or some dream, or upon His Word?
- Calling out to God, Psalm 10:12, Psalm 10:15. Never wrong to ask God to help, but we do not know when and how He will answer; Therefore we need to be …
- Resting in God, Psalm 10:16-17. “The Lord is King for ever and ever.”
12 Lord, rise up! God, show your power!
Don’t forget those who are helpless.
15 Take away the power of sinful people.
Hold them accountable for the evil things they do.
Uncover all the evil they have done.16 The Lord is King for ever and ever.
Psalm 10, verses 12, 15, 16, 17
The nations will disappear from his land.
17 Lord, you hear the desires of those who are hurting.
You cheer them up and give them hope.
You listen to their cries.
The King who asked ‘Why?’
“Lord, why are you so far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
The day of justice is in the future, but encouragement is in the present. King Jesus asked “Why?”, hanging on the cross. He understands us when we ask “Why?”