Slices
Prepare
What injustices in the world, or in your local community, do you feel most strongly about? How is God using you or others to bring justice and peace?
Bible passage
For the director of music. Of David.
1 In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
‘Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?’
4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulphur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.
7 For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.
Explore
This psalm opens with a clear statement of trust. It is a rebuke to the cynical voice which points to a way out (v 1) and draws attention to powerlessness in the face of imminent danger (vs 2,3). Extending this voice of trust in verses 4–7, the psalmist explains why he still chooses to turn to God, despite his terrifying situation: God is on his throne, sees all things, hates violence, will punish those who are wicked, is righteous, loves justice and will reveal himself to the upright.
Looking back over ancient and recent history, the death, fear and pain caused by local and international conflict don’t go away. When I listened to the news on the radio this morning, I cried with anger, sorrow and helplessness. Is God passive and emotionless when people get hurt? Why doesn’t he step in and stop wars? Why would he hate and punish people?
We have a choice: to turn to our own anger, cynicism and finite ability to effect change, or to join the psalmist (vs 4–7) by trusting in God’s justice and goodness. Instead of being passive, trusting God becomes active – an action we take to lead us forwards.
Respond
Do you feel able to be a voice of hope and faith rather than despair and doubt? Who could you speak words of life and encouragement to this week?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 6,7; James 2
Pray for Scripture Union
Thank God for the work of SU Namibia in the Kavango region. The good news was shared with over 1,000 students at Bunya Combined School. Many responded positively; pray that they will continue to follow Jesus Christ.
