Those Who Do Not Seek The Lord (Psalm 10 - Part 1)

Today's full One Year Bible readings:
Genesis 24:52-26:16 ~ Matthew 8:18-34 ~ Psalm 10:1-15 ~ Proverbs 3:7-8

In our readings, today, we cover the first fifteen verses of Psalm 10. As I mentioned in Friday's post Psalm 9 and 10 are very closely related. In fact, in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) they are combined into one Psalm. One of the differences I have noted is the theme. Psalm 9 focuses in many ways on the praise and worship of God by those who seek the Lord whereas Psalm 10 is almost entirely about the wickedness of those who do not seek the Lord.

1 Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

4 In his pride the wicked does not seek [the Lord];
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5 His ways are always prosperous;
he is haughty and your laws are far from him;
he sneers at all his enemies.

6 He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me;
I'll always be happy and never have trouble."

7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats;
trouble and evil are under his tongue.

11 He says to himself, "God has forgotten;
he covers his face and never sees."

12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.

13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
"He won't call me to account"?

14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
call him to account for his wickedness
that would not be found out.

Psalm 10:1, 4-7, 11-15 (NIV)

So, as we worship the Lord today, let me ask you to weigh your feelings about God's allowing wicked people to act like wicked people at what often seems to be no earthly expense. Do you see that it is all grace? Do you believe that every moment the wicked are still breathing there is an opportunity for God to be glorified in and through their lives?

Thank God for His kindness and patience. Remember, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)