Reading: Psalm 10-12

QUESTIONS

Psalm 10:

  • The effects of unbelief and oppression in the world can be frustrating and discouraging. How is this psalm different from just complaining or grumbling? 
  • In what ways does this psalm express confidence in the Lord? Let this shape your prayers about the world’s evils.

Psalm 11:

  • Verses 5-6 use strong language to describe what the Lord thinks of the wicked. Why must we acknowledge God’s judgment of the wicked?
  • Verse 5 says “The LORD tests the righteous.” What does this mean? Pray for this testing in your own life.

Psalm 12:

  • In verse 6, what causes the Lord to “arise”? Put this in your own words. How might this change the way that you pray?
DEVOTION

Our Father who art in heaven,
Do you see our suffering on earth?
We watch the wicked prosper; we watch the helpless suffer. Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
We face death and illness. Our bodies are broken under sickness. Our minds cloud with depression and spiral with anxiety. Why, O Lord, do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
We watch the righteous – God, your people – suffer and die around the world. Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
We face relational decay. We long for unity and yet acutely feel the brokenness of our relationships – family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. Why, O Lord, do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
The wicked says in his heart that you have forgotten and hidden your face. God, if we are honest, do we wonder the same thing? Do you see us?
God, you do see. Your eyes see. You do take action against wickedness. Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, you arise.
God, you do deliver. You do promise eternal restoration. We shall behold your face.There will be a time when wickedness and disease will strike terror no more.
God, you do hear. You hear every desire uttered from an afflicted heart. Strengthen our hearts to trust and our hands to grasp the plow.
God, you do keep us. You guard us. You place us in the safety for which we long.
Hold our hearts, minds, and bodies, O God, as we are but pilgrims on the earth traveling towards eternal rest with you.

– Emily Harrer