Here we go again! The psalmist is really focused on needing God to rescue him, wanting revenge on the opposition, and feeling a bit overwhelmed or perhaps forgotten. How often, when we are bullied, do we wish for retaliation on our bully? If not us being bullied directly, when we see unfairness around us, how do we feel toward those causing the injustice. We don’t often feel the strength to do it ourselves, just as the psalmist, he is calling on God to oppose, block, humiliate, disgrace, turn them back, make their path dark and slippery, etc.
And then, we have the “then”. What the psalmist promises he will do in response to God’s action, as if the action has to happen, and “then”… It will be “then” that the psalmist will rejoice and praise. I wonder, is the writer saying he cannot or will not praise unless and until provision or revenge comes? This psalm is focused on self and what happens to “me”. Isn’t it true of humanity as well? We are so easily focused on what’s in it for “me”, or how does this affect “me”?
God will act as God sees fit, not always how we want him to act.I think we need to be looking out for others, too. We need to be looking for a need to fill, and then, by the grace of God, fill it.
Let’s pray. Lord help me overcome my feelings of anger and frustration with those around me who are acting in ways that frustrate me or hurt me or others. Bless them and give them a clean heart with focus on you, the only truth and way. Help me to reach out to those in need, sharing my faith and trust in You. Lord I want to be a world changer in your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
