Living in God's Presence

O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long. Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips. O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked.  Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me. The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way. I said to the Lord, “You are my God!” Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy! O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle. Lord, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud. Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me. Let burning coals fall down on their heads. Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.  Don’t let liars prosper here in our land. Cause great disasters to fall on the violent. But I know the Lord will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor. Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence. Psalm 140 NLT

The psalmist spends most of the psalm ranting about evil people and how they should be punished. But even while spewing violent endings for those that have hurt him, the psalmist reveals that God has already protected him during the war and that God always gives justice to the poor, the righteous and the godly. 

There has been an increase of hateful spewing by people who see the latest national election results in America to be an outcome of evil in the land. Just like the psalmist, many people are calling for violent and destructive means in order for them to be rescued from evil people. This makes me sad because I am happy to live in a country where we can all exercise our right to vote as well as give voice to our opinion. However, we seem to have all fallen short on what is really appropriate in terms of what we say. And what happened to our trust that God will prevail -- hasn't God already proven that to us time and again? 

O God, you are the God of justice, righteousness and true freedom. Help us to know what your priorities are for us. Help us to see your purpose even when things seem bleak. Guide us in righteousness, justice and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012