Psalm 10

May 10, 2012

In the Hebrew Bible Psalms 9 and 10 are combined as one psalm. Thus, the foundation of praising God with “all my heart” continues. To praise and pray in this way is indicative of a lively, personal relationship with the Lord.

It is a common practice in churches to receive memorial gifts. These are gifts given for the Glory of God in memory of a particular person. When we see a plaque or other notation for the memorial gift, we pause and remember that person. That’s a good thing to do.

But, too many people live their lives as though the church is a memorial to Jesus Christ. They tend to live as though the church is a place to remember Jesus’ life and the things He did and said. But, Jesus wants more than just to be remembered; He wants a lively, personal relationship with each of His followers as the Lord of their lives.  While the people building memorials to Jesus may be well intentioned, they are in fact living as functional atheists.

In her devotion, Jesus Calling, Sarah Young encourages us to pause before responding to people or situations, thus giving the Holy Spirit an opportunity to lead us. When we react with hasty words and actions we are living as though we do not have a lively relationship with Jesus, and this is atheistic living. An atheist does not believe in God and thus seeks to solve their problems out of their own wisdom, strength and resources. Some people truly believe in God, but they live as though they are totally responsible for the course of their life. They function as an atheist because they are not living as though they expect God to act in their life.

Christians affirm God as personally present in their life, a living Spirit; and with nothing between us and God, our faces shine with the brightness of His face. We are transfigured like the Messiah, and our lives gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him. (See 2 Corinthians 3: 16-18 The Message)

If your heart resonates with that affirmation from Second Corinthians you can appreciate the lament of the psalmist. He is surrounded by atheists; nevertheless, his hope is in the Lord.  Today is a good day to make a complete list of your struggles. What issues are you facing? How are your adversaries taking advantage of you? Now, with your list in hand, make up your mind to pray with the psalmist:

The Lord is king forever and ever!
    The godless nations will vanish from the land.
 Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
    Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
 You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed,
    so mere people can no longer terrify them.

Psalm 10:18-18

What word or phrase in these verses

Attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

Reading for May 11, 2012:  Psalm 11