This psalm is packed with some great nuggets. At first I was a bit taken aback with the plea for God’s vengeance. What tragedy must have come upon the psalmist to have such bold feelings. It is hard at times to sit back and watch corruption in the world and yet find peace.
God is also watching and he knows each of us. The psalmist takes a negative angle with this, but that’s understandable. We are not perfect. Our thoughts can be worthless. We fall short and are not always focused on kingdom truths. I know my mind wanders on its own, even in the midst of my quiet time.
I always imagine that others do a much better job at being still in God’s presence. I suppose my writing this blog is part of my discipline to help me stay focused, and yet even still when my dog barks or the phone rings, my attention and concentration are compromised. It’s then that I cry out, “Forgive me, God!”
Does imagining God watching you change the way you want to live? What would he to say about what you’re doing right now? Are we merely rebels that will live as we want? Or are we people pleasers and want to do our best for others and for God? Are we selfish and seek only to further our own agenda? Wrestle with these images, and ask, “Who do I want God to see?”
My favorite line from the psalm today is found in verse 19. “When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” Notice the past tense. The psalmist has already experienced this comfort, the light at the end of the tunnel. We can stand on the truth he is proclaiming for our own times of weakness. In other translations, you’ll see “anxieties” in place of “doubts”. It’s a little different way to think about this passage, but the ending is still the same, God comforts.
Doubts about God can be horrendous on our faith, confidence and sense of well-being. We all have doubt from time to time, but doubting the goodness and provision of God should never happen. God is mighty. God is watching. He is our fortress in times of trouble. When anxiety overtakes and causes us fear or dread, we can be paralyzed. Likewise, God is mighty and he will bring us the hope we need.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for this new day. May all I say and do be to your glory. May I stay focused on you. I want to please you for I know you are watching me. Watch over my loved ones who are far from me. I know you have them securely in your hands, and I pray that they will know and acknowledge you are watching over them. Thank you for the hope you give to those who trust in you. All these things I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
