As the rain and snow

“The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul,.. ‘Go and look for the donkeys.’ And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them.

“When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, ‘Come, let us go back, lest my father cease to care about the donkeys and become anxious about us.’ But he said, ‘There is a man of God in this city..; all that he says comes true… Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.’.. So they went up to the city… [and] saw Samuel coming out toward them…

“Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: ‘Tomorrow… I will send to you a man from Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel…’ When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, ‘Here is the man of whom I spoke to you!’.. Then Saul approached Samuel… Samuel answered Saul, ‘Go up before me to the high place, for today you shall eat with me, and in the morning I… will tell you all that is on your mind.  As for your donkeys.., they have been found…’

“So Saul ate with Samuel that day… and he lay down to sleep. At the break of dawn… Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went out into the street. As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul,.. ‘Stop.., that I may make known to you the word of God.’

“Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, ‘Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord.'” 1 Samuel 9:3-6,14-20a,24c-10:1

It all started with lost donkeys, and orchestrated by the sovereign hand of God Almighty, ended with young Saul being anointed first prince over Israel. What Saul thought was a short-term errand God intended for long-term transformation. Saul set out to obey his father’s request that God had planned for far greater influence. The search would get him to Zuph to the city of Samuel to whom God had announced the real purpose of his journey. And what a surprise it was. (1 Samuel 10:2-9)

Often we go about errands and activities, pressed by what we’ve deemed important or been told is urgent, without vision and oblivious to God’s greater purposes for our time and lives. He alone knows the works for which He’s made us, and orders our steps and places to bring them about. His plans cannot be thwarted. (Job 42:2; Psalm 139:3-5,8-10,16; Jeremiah 10:23; Acts 17:24-26; Ephesians 2:10)

How can we develop an eternal perspective every day? Wouldn’t it build high expectation and holy zeal to offer ourselves living sacrifices for whatever transformation of character and spirit the Lord deems vital to His plans, whatever divine appointments He intends? What narrow vision, timidity, or fear keeps us from seeking and making ourselves available for His errands? (Romans 12:1-2)

Lord, keep my daily vision high and eternal. I submit myself to Your sovereign workmanship, for Your purposes and glory.

“All the commanders… and all the people… said to Jeremiah the prophet, ‘Pray… that the Lord your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do… May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act according to all the word with which the Lord sends you to us. Whether it is good or bad, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God…’

“At the end of ten days… [Jeremiah]… said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord..: If you will remain in this land, I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up… Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid.., for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and let you remain in your own land. But if you say, “We will not remain in this land,” disobeying the voice of the Lord and saying, ‘No, we will go to Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,” then hear the word of the Lord..: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and live there, then the sword that you fear shall overtake you, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die. All the men who set their faces to go to Egypt to live there shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence…

“’Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath were poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so my wrath will be poured out on you when you go to Egypt. You shall become an execration, a horror, a curse, and a taunt… The Lord has said.., “Do not go to Egypt.”’

“When Jeremiah finished speaking these words of the Lord their God,.. all the insolent men said, ‘You are telling a lie…’ And they came into Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the Lord.” Jeremiah 42:1-3,5-19; 43:1-2,7

Fear worked dirty tricks among the Israelites. Vowed to seek God’s will and obey, they feared Him not and quickly turned on their greater, inordinate fear of imagined suffering. The war of words between God’s truth and Satan’s lies made tumult of their resolve, distorting perception and obliterating their pledge. Ah, fickle flesh! (Ephesians 6:12)

Man is prone to fear, so God kindly, repeatedly warns against it. Fear muddies our understanding of His goodness and sovereignty. Fear makes where we are not and what we do not have seem better than where we are and what we have. Fear upturns long obedience into impulsive choices.

Where do we act on fear of man and troubles more than God? What bad ideas and false threats instigate wrong fear in us? When are we steeping in the Word to align proper fear of God alone?

Lord, calibrate my fear-meter to Your truth and highness. Keep me reverently fearing You above and instead of anything, for You alone are worthy.

“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me;
    the torrents of destruction assailed me…

In my distress I called upon the Lord…
    and my cry to him reached his ears.

Then the earth reeled and rocked;
    the foundations of the mountains trembled…
Smoke went up from his nostrils,
    and devouring fire from his mouth…
He bowed the heavens and came down;
    thick darkness was under his feet.
He… flew… swiftly on the wings of the wind.
Out of the brightness before him
    hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds…

He sent from on high..;
    he drew me out of many waters.
He rescued me from my strong enemy
    and from those who hated me,
    for they were too mighty for me.
The… Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place;
    he rescued me, because he delighted in me…
It is you who light my lamp;
    the Lord my God lightens my darkness…
He is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For who is God, but the Lord?
    And who is a rock, except our God?..
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    your right hand supported me,
    and your gentleness made me great.

For this I will praise you, O Lord.” Psalm 18:1-4,6-10,12,16-19,28,30-31,35,49a

After threats and violent pursuit, David had once again escaped Saul’s wicked intention and an onslaught from the Philistines. Tied so intimately with his Lord, he did not gloat, nor pompously boast his victory, but burst forth with praise to the only One who deserved it. All, every inch and idea and ounce of deliverance, was from Him. (1 Samuel 24; 26; 2 Samuel 21:15-22; 22:1-20)

As astounded as we are at God’s personal, powerful involvement in and rescue of his life, we should be more-so that this is how the Lord cares and intercedes for all of His own. Even for me. I was weak, ungodly, dead in sin, a child of wrath, and God in rich mercy died to save me! Hallelujah! (Romans 5:6-8; Ephesians 2:1-6)

All this Christ has done for me; my sole proper response is praise. Praise Him for His love that breaks through enemy lines, that pursues and enfolds and rescues forever. Praise Him for power that vanquishes the enemy, and glory that shines far brighter than any worldly treasure. When and where do I voice and sing praise to my King? How is my love and gratitude reflected in my attitudes and demeanor?

I must also respond by exhibiting and expressing His lavish grace and love to others. Where is He leading me to go out of my way to minister help, compassion, even rescue to one needy, lost, or enslaved? How can I most effectively spread the light of His gospel? (Mark 16:15-16; Colossians 3:12-13)

Who am I, Lord, that You would ride the heavens to my eternal help? Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Help me give all this for You. (Deuteronomy 33:26-27; Psalm 8:4-5; Horatio Spafford)

“You have tried my heart,..
    you have tested me, and you will find nothing;
    I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips
    I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
    my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings,
from the wicked who do me violence,
    my deadly enemies who surround me.

They close their hearts to pity;
    with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
They have now surrounded our steps;
    they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.
He is like a lion eager to tear,
    as a young lion lurking in ambush.

Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him!
    Deliver my soul from the wicked…
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
    when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” Psalm 17:3-13,15

David cries out from danger, in imminent need, yet from the safest place of communion with his Savior. Surrounded by enemies, his confidence is in the covenant God, his refuge. He approaches on the basis of forgiveness, pleads on the basis of God’s steadfast love and character, and entrusts his enemies to God’s justice and power. In dark times, the shadow of His wings is his light and security.

When new days begin, and with the sun rise doubts, responsibilities, and pressures, we can establish ourselves by prayer in the Lord’s safe place. On His path clear of sin, under His presence of protection, we have peace no matter what buzzes, entices, pokes, or taunts all around.

What wayward lusts or violent reactions or hatred lurks in situation or mind? Under His wings we can purpose to avoid that way. What adversaries- both flesh and mental- pester our peace, poke discontent or dismay, plant fear, regret, or resentment? In the shadow of His wings we can block out the world and fix our hope on beholding God’s face. Indeed, between the Almighty’s shoulders we find perfect peace and safety. (Deuteronomy 33:12; Psalm 91:1-2; Isaiah 26:3)

While we work, serve, and interact here below, activity and distractions can prevent us from resting secure in Christ. We become jaded to think safety is only a ‘one day’ future promise, and to be sure, in many ways it is. Yet, when Jesus has by grace applied His salvation to our souls, our lives are secure forever. We carry the guarantee of His Spirit within, no matter what happens without. Will troubles occur? Yes! Will opposition ridicule and inflict pain? Yes, and yes! But will our souls remain untouched, safeguarded forever? Yes again! In His word and promises we are at peace. (John 10:28-29; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

What changes would occur in my outlook and demeanor if I perceived life in the adjusted light of the shadow of God’s sovereignty and love?

Lord, help me see troubles in the keeping shadow of Your goodness and justice, and to articulate my prayers according to Your promises. May increasing trust magnify Your grace, might, and glory.

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.  But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’  And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:1-7

As the early church grew, there were naturally bumps and bruises in relationships and the smooth running of things. Spirit-filled fellowship and sharing resources within small gatherings brought challenges in organization and opinions over the how what when. The twelve, clear in their calling and trained well by the Good Teacher Jesus, implemented practical and godly solutions. We are all people of faith and the Spirit, yet we have different kingdom callings. Each is vital in contributing to the whole ministry, and must do his own part in God’s grace and power. Rather than pushing to be the superior public face, or belittling the ministry of service, they conferred together to come up with an agreeable plan to make sure the Word and the food were distributed. With each devoted to God’s mission, all were pleased to serve as needed under His anointing. (John 6:5-13)

How easy it is to posture and bicker according to pride, personal preferences, and professed right opinions. How could our churches better thrive if, rather than complaining, and allowing consternation to stew and bubble over into caustic destruction of civility and the joy of agreement, every complaint and need was treated as an opportunity to confer with one another? When we discuss, share ideas, think through strategy together, and maybe even compromise, resolutions are palpable to the masses and pleasing to the Lord. When we pray, He leads us in unity and direction. (Acts 1:12-26)

Whose best interest drives our responses and decisions- our own, or the Lord’s? Where have we not taken the high road in dealing with complaints and disagreements, slipping instead to aggression, bossiness, favoritism, or condescension? Will we commit to seeking first the Lord and the welfare of His kingdom, and trust Him with assignments and outcomes? When called upon, how willing are we to do the menial tasks, or to support others in doing so? Conferring and serving together fortifies the communion of saints, and is a brilliant example to a lost and angry world of how the Spirit works among His people. (Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-8,16; Philippians 2:12-15)

Jehovah Shalom, help me bring Your peace, wisdom, and grace into every grumble, and so smooth the way for others to behold and praise You.

“She arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food… Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, ‘Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.  The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!’ Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. And they said to her, ‘No, we will return with you to your people.’ But Naomi said, ‘Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Have I yet sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband… Even if I should have a husband this night and bear sons, would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters...’  Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

“And she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.’ But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.’ And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.” Ruth 1:6,8-18

Ruth had every practical reason to stay in her native land. It was all she knew, her people and religion were there, and her marriage into this Israelite family had brought untold sorrow, disruption, and broken dreams. Some may have said they actually brought a curse. But Ruth. She could not resist the pull to their God. Something about Him drew her like a magnet to leave everything familiar to venture out in faith and follow, and for that she was eternally blessed. (Ruth 1:1-5; 4:10-12,18-22)

Responding in faith to the pull of God initiates an exciting love life with Him and opens a fount of blessings beyond measure, yet for varied, weak reasons, we fail to embark on the adventure. We stay back with a provincial group of people we know and default to narrow, worldly reason, unwilling to embrace new horizons and relationships. We snuggle cozily into comfort and familiar, and let fear and fretting grow into undefined but brooding monsters ‘out there.’ We nurse wounds and sludge through bitterness and the pain life brings, resigned that we can never escape. (1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Where are we surrendering to the enemy’s Turn back, Turn back instead of pressing forward with God? When will we name the limitations we’ve foolishly set, confess our sin of rebellion or unbelief, and leave behind our foreign gods for full, unfettered life in Christ?

Lord, quicken my spirit to follow where You lead. Keep me clinging to You always as I go, stay, serve, and worship.

“‘For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.’ And he worshiped the Lord there.”

“Hannah prayed and said,

‘My heart exults in the Lord;
    my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
    because I rejoice in your salvation.

‘There is none holy like the Lord:
    for there is none besides you;
    there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
    let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
    and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
    but the feeble bind on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
    but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven...
The Lord kills and brings to life;
    he brings down… and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
    he brings low and he exalts…
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
    and on them he has set the world.

‘He will guard the feet of his faithful ones..,
    for not by might shall a man prevail...
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
    he will give strength to his king
    and exalt the horn of his anointed.’” 1 Samuel 1:27-28; 2:1-10

Barren Hannah knew that it was the Lord who opened her womb. How else could she and Elkanah have conceived and borne Samuel? How else could she have experienced this joy of motherhood had not He intervened and done what was humanly impossible? All the deep lessons of suffering and cultural shame, of longing and trusting in prayer, of releasing idols to absolute and whole affection for Him, of the Lord’s personal, comforting, and intimate presence, God used to magnify His character and increase her worship of Him. Through these she understood and could exalt God’s majesty, goodness, and power. He alone was sovereign, the immovable Rock, the giver of life. (1 Samuel 1:1-6,10-11; Job 12:10)

As fickle humans, we tend to praise God easily when circumstances fall into place with our desired plans. But come delay or difficulty, in haughty swagger we question and castigate Him. What if we accepted our waiting as the vehicle to the fruit of patience, our trials as the method by which we learn to trust God’s strength? What if we did not cease praying until we were at full peace with His answers? What if we persevered to understand and know His ways firsthand, how He stabilizes our faith, shapes our desires, raises up and brings low according to His strategy for His glory and our good? We would exult much, because He is infinitely worthy!

Even in unmet dreams and relational pain, God is good, faithful, and trustworthy. When work, financial, or physical challenges seem impossible, God is able to make His grace abound. We have much reason to exult! When will we make this a regular rhythm of our days? (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Worthy Lord, fill my mind with You and my lips with rejoicing all the day. Permeate my attitude and expression to reflect Your glory, and my hours with songs of praise.

“The boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.

“At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.

“Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, ‘Here I am!’ and ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call; lie down again.’ So he went and lay down.

“The Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’ and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ But he said, ‘I did not call, my son; lie down again.’  Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.

“And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, for you called me.’ Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, ‘Go, lie down, and if he calls you, say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”‘ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

“And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant hears.’ Then the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.'” 1 Samuel 3:1-11

The contrast between old Eli’s clouded vision and sluggish spirit and the alert senses and eager readiness of young Samuel is stark. Eli had grown spiritually apathetic, while Samuel, entrusted to the Lord early on, grew in familiarity and wisdom through his early years. Idle and dull no frequent vision, meet intuitive and daring Here I am!

To recognize and respond to Jesus, it is vital to be still. Busyness, intense productivity, packing every Sabbath with tasks and activities otherwise neglected all obviate precious time in His word and prayer to glean His broader vision for life. When are we actually still and uninterrupted? (1 Samuel 1:27-28; 2:12;21b-26; Psalm 46:10)

It’s also vital we listen and act, which may require unplugging from constant noise and undoing pre-edited information and false messages. Have we built margin for attending church consistently, reviewing sermon notes, and engaging with other Christians about needed advice, to process lessons learned and applied? Praying for discernment in everything we hear and choose to heed attunes us to God’s voice.

How will we train our senses and will to arise to God’s call? Are we more prone to a sedentary snore of ease than a ready jump to present, listen, and go? How thoroughly do we follow through on Spirit-planted intentions? Do we keep elongating lists, or eliminate items with intentional action? Every response should involve heart, soul, feet, and hands. God gives passion and commitment when we ask.

Father, tune my ears to hear and my mind to comprehend every call and prompting of Your Spirit. Cause my will to respond with vigor and delight, to the furthering of Your purposes and the praise of Your glory.

“‘This is the covenant that I will make… after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.’

“Thus says the Lord,
who gives the sun for light by day
    and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
    the Lord of hosts is his name:
‘If this fixed order departs
    from before me, declares the Lord,
then shall the offspring of Israel cease
    from being a nation before me forever.’

“Thus says the Lord:
‘If the heavens above can be measured,
and the foundations of the earth below can be explored,
then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel
for all that they have done,
declares the Lord.’” Jeremiah 31:33-37

The eternal God is potentate from everlasting to everlasting and ruler of nevermore and forever. In the scheme and parameters of time, His promises for the future are already certain, and He knows all things but forgets what he chooses not to remember. Indeed, His ways are not our own, nor His endless measures comprehensible to our finite minds. (Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 55:8-9; Hebrews 8:12)

When the Lord wants us to understand the gravity and certainty of His word, He speaks in lofty concepts to instill in us lofty thought and affection for Him. His majesty and high position are beyond our understanding, and in their grandeur reflect on and undergird His great and gracious promises. This is His covenant, thus says He, so we can wholly trust His word: that He has put His law in our hearts, He is our God, we are His people, we are forgiven. These truths are as sure as the rising sun.

What does it mean for our everyday that no more is He beyond our reach of faith but His Spirit actually indwells His children? He is counselor, comforter, and helper! What courage and confidence can I espouse because of Christ’s merciful gift of salvation, instead of nursing insecurities while comparing myself to others? I am His and He is mine! What habits or sins need I put away forever, so that my daily hours escape their influence and forget their hold? And how does God’s perpetual love for me give the will and hope to do so? (John 14:16,26; Acts 17:24-28; Ephesians 1:13-14)

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake.” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord , keep me trusting and rejoicing in Your no more and forever.

“The wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
    and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
    all his thoughts are, ‘There is no God…’
 As for all his foes, he puffs at them.
He says in his heart, ‘I shall not be moved;
    throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.’
His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
    under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.
He sits in ambush in the villages;
    in hiding places he murders the innocent.
His eyes stealthily watch for the helpless;
    he lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket;
he lurks that he may seize the poor;
    he seizes the poor when he draws him into his net.
The helpless are crushed, sink down,
    and fall by his might.
He says in his heart, ‘God has forgotten,
    he has hidden his face, he will never see it.’

Arise, O Lord…
Why does the wicked renounce God
    and say in his heart, ‘You will not call to account’?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
    that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself…
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
    call his wickedness to account till you find none.

The Lord is king forever and ever.” Psalm 10:3-16a

The disheartened psalmist cries for help, strength, and justice from poignant experience. His afflictions at the plans and hands of the wicked have carved deep pain. Their ubiquitous contempt has given keen insight and a vantage point not desired but well-honed. Arise, O Lord! (Psalm 12:8)

The desires of the wicked are fodder for greed that gnarls with flesh and curses the Lord. Want for more to satisfy ever-escalating lusts repudiates thoughts of God, shutting out any conviction or accountability. Do away with God = do away with judgment. If he struts and puffs enough, he belittles and discounts foes who would stand against his boasts of autonomy.

The ways of the wicked are vile, deceitful, oppressive. He is a vicious predator of the innocent, vile and conniving, seeking his own advantage at all costs and with willful destruction. He undermines, fools, crushes the unsuspecting, caring for naught but personal gain and power.

How horrid are these wretches! How can God tolerate this pomposity, this flippant rejection of His supremacy and caustic cruelty to His own? Here below we struggle to comprehend, yet must remember the cross. It was there the Prince of glory took the heinous punishment we all deserve, to free us from chains of everlasting servitude to sin. But for God’s grace applied to us we would be the arrogant, selfish tyrants.

How quickly do I condemn the wicked without taking thought for my own avarice and self-willed ways? When have I lusted or hoarded or indulged to the diminishment or detriment of another? When have I proffered advantage or accolades but dishonored my King? Guilty are we all except for His gracious salvation.

He hears our anguish, He knows the mischief and vexation of the wicked. And He reigns as just, benevolent Regent. One day every tear will be gone, along with every urge to sin. Alleluia. (Psalm 11:4-5; Revelation 21:3-4)

Lord, until that day, guard me from falling in with the wicked by keeping me in Your word and grace. May I in thought and deed honor You alone. (Psalm 1)