The Lord is holy, and cannot be in contact with anything evil or wicked. This is a prayer from David asking for the wicked to be overthrown.
A Prayer for the Overthrow of the Wicked.
You may find this psalm helpful to remember during any hard times, trauma or difficulty. It’s a reminder that no matter how desperate circumstances may feel, if you trust Christ as your Savior, you are never truly alone.
Why do You stand far away, Lord?
Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the needy;
Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised.
Do you ever feel ignored when it feels like the world is falling down around you? Depending on where you are, it actually could be happening. You may be asking yourself: Where is God? Yet, He also promised that you would endure times of trial – and didn’t specify what that would look like. He promised that He would be there for us.
For the wicked boasts of his soul’s desire,
And the greedy person curses and shows disrespect to the Lord.
The wicked, in his haughtiness, does not seek Him.
There is no God in all his schemes.
The cursing and “disrespect to the Lord” mentioned here refers to anything that doesn’t honor God. It could be anything from foul language to theft or murder. It isn’t that the Bible insists on perfect behavior or else God won’t accept us – if you are human – you are a sinner. Jesus is/was the only human who never sinned. No one is perfect – God offers forgiveness to anyone who asks for it according to Ephesians 1:7-8a. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.”
His ways succeed at all times;
Yet Your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
As for all his enemies, he snorts at them.
He says to himself, “I will not be moved;
Throughout the generations I will not be in adversity.”
His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression;
Under his tongue is harm and injustice.
He sits in the lurking places of the villages;
He kills the innocent in the secret places;
His eyes surreptitiously watch for the unfortunate.
He lurks in secret like a lion in his lair;
He lurks to catch the needy;
He catches the needy when he pulls him into his net.
Then he crushes the needy one, who cowers;
And unfortunate people fall by his mighty power.
He says to himself, “God has forgotten;
He has hidden His face; He will never see it.”
God sets Himself apart from evil. Many who do not know God may make plans to do wrong, but the Lord will thwart them. Even if it doesn’t seem like it at the moment, they (people who have chosen not to follow God) will become overly cocky and be tripped up. If you believe in Jesus, you can call on Him to rescue you – He promised He would. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 says: “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
Arise, Lord; God, lift up Your hand.
Do not forget the humble.
Why has the wicked treated God disrespectfully?
He has said to himself, “You will not require an account.”
You have seen it, for You have looked at harm and provocation to take it into Your hand.
The unfortunate commits himself to You;
You have been the helper of the orphan.
Break the arm of the wicked and the evildoer,
Seek out his wickedness until You find none.
Be encouraged! You may be facing physical or financial challenges right now, or another difficult situation – but do not lose hope! Sometimes Christ does allow you to endure difficulties to shape you for the future He has planned for you. Trust that His plans are perfect, and He always has your best in mind – even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.
Have a delightful day!
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