May 19, 2021
O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. Psalm 10:17-18 ESV
In this psalm of lament, David cries out to God about the injustice and oppression all around him. David writes in past tense about how the Lord has been a helper to the fatherless and petitions him to take action now. Then David closes with a declaration of faith: you hear… you strengthen… you suppress the evil schemes of men.
In these tense times of racial unrest, we see a divided nation. One side acts as if it all depends on them to redress the balance of justice. The other side pushes back and vehemently argues against the blame that has been lodged toward them. Neither side seems to be moving closer to understanding the opposing position. So how do we as the church respond? Like David, we take a step back from the battle line and seek the Lord who hears our prayers, who strengthens our hearts, and who will one day return and rid all creation of evildoers. When we do, he grants us humility, wisdom, and grace to move toward those who oppose us with a godly love that listens and learns, and disarms distrust.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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