Psalms 9-11
Do you every read about the heroes in the Bible and feel like you just don't measure up? That it seems that sometimes they had it all figured out and never struggled with faith. Ever feel like they heard God in ways that you and I don't? Or that God leaves us when we need Him? The tenth Psalm gets me through those feelings all the time. It's refreshing to me to know that others, especially those like David, a man after God's own heart, struggled. Not that I rejoice in the suffering of others, but it's nice to know that I'm not the only one.
This Psalm starts with a question that so many ask still today. Why God, do You stand away and hide Yourself during adversity? Those difficult times are ALWAYS the result of someone listening to the father of lies. In fact, the first part of Psalm 10 may as well be about Satan himself. I wonder how many parallels we can make from this Psalm to other scriptures describing the devil. I'll just look at the first portion.
This Psalm starts with a question that so many ask still today. Why God, do You stand away and hide Yourself during adversity? Those difficult times are ALWAYS the result of someone listening to the father of lies. In fact, the first part of Psalm 10 may as well be about Satan himself. I wonder how many parallels we can make from this Psalm to other scriptures describing the devil. I'll just look at the first portion.
Psalm 10:2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. Psalm 10:3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:5 His ways are always grievous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies. | 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Proverbs 6:16-17 (NIV) here are six things the Lord hates,seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, Genesis 3:17-20 (NIV) To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it,’“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” |
As I suspected, every allegation from David can be supported from another author. And it doesn't stop at verse 5. We find that the wicked, under the influence of the devil, hunts the weak, whom he traps, brags of materialism, does not seek God and if he stumbles upon Him, He is ignored.
But, have no fear! After all, perfect love casts out fear. God always supplies an answer even when it may not be immediately recognizable. Our Father takes our grief in His hands. When we commit ourselves to Him He surrounds us with a shield of favor. He calls out the wicked to account for their sin. He encourages us, hears our cries, defends us and eliminates our mortal enemies. Again, not always easily recognizable because we don't see the spirit world. But we do not battle against flesh and blood enemies, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. And that is the sole reason that you need to be unsheathed.
But, have no fear! After all, perfect love casts out fear. God always supplies an answer even when it may not be immediately recognizable. Our Father takes our grief in His hands. When we commit ourselves to Him He surrounds us with a shield of favor. He calls out the wicked to account for their sin. He encourages us, hears our cries, defends us and eliminates our mortal enemies. Again, not always easily recognizable because we don't see the spirit world. But we do not battle against flesh and blood enemies, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. And that is the sole reason that you need to be unsheathed.