A few verses from Psalm 10, an ancient song with contemporary relevance …
Vs.1. O Lord, why do you stand so far away?
Why do you hide when I am in trouble?
Vs.2. The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor.
Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others.
Vs.3. For they brag about their evil desires;
they praise the greedy and curse the Lord …
Vs.17. Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless; surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
Vs.18. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so mere people can no longer terrify them.
Let's be honest, sometimes God feels far away, especially when we are facing trouble (vs.1). It's so easy to assume that if God were with us we would always be 'blessed' and life would have no problems.
The wicked are arrogant and defiant of God. They think that all will be well and that they will never pay for their evil deeds (vs.2-11).
But God does see our grief and trouble. He considers it and takes note of it (vs.14). God encourages the needy and listens to their cry. He defends the fatherless and the oppressed (vs.17-18). He calls the wicked to account.
As followers of Christ, we walk by faith and not by sight, by truth and not by feelings. God really is Immanuel = "God with us". He never leaves us or abandons us. He is right here, right now … always.
Life is a journey and we have to keep the end in mind. Although, there will be trials and challenges along the way, God will honour those who honour him, and eventually we all reap what we sow. God is true to his word and he does keep his promises. Of course, there is usually a delay or a gap between a promise and the fulfillment of that promise. Just ask Joseph.
Be encouraged today, whatever you may be going through. God loves you and he is actively working in your life, whatever the circumstances, bringing about his ultimate purpose. Instead of seeking to immediately get out of whatever pressure we may be under, sometimes it's good to ask God what he may want to teach us during these times. After all, the hard times can make us strong.