A Prayer For Help

Psalms 10:1–11
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The first part of this Psalm is a description of the wicked persons forceful, vicious power (vv. 1-12).

Does God hide (vv. 1-4)? At the very beginning the psalmist was not complaining, but simply asking God to hurry to his aid. Because it looks like the wicked may triumph he asks the Lord two big questions.

a. “Why standeth thou afar off?” (v. 1a)

b. “Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (v.1b). 

These questions are a bold expression of the true feelings of oppressed people who cry out for help. Even at times today it may seem as though God has hidden Himself and is unconcerned - especially when the enemy comes right into the church.

In these verses David explains the character of the oppressor. (vv. 2-7) He is full of pride (v. 2) and boasts, v. 3). The wicked person is confident, (v. 4), haughty, (v. 5), and has no room for God or God’s laws. Such a person is convinced that he cannot be moved from his wicked ways. He thinks he can continue undisturbed in his prosperity (v. 5) and happiness (v. 6). His words are deceitful and destructive (v.7). The wicked as lurking (lies in wait occurs three times in vv. 8-9) in secret places like a lion who attacks his helpless (vv. 10-11) victims, and drag them off as a fisherman does when his net collapses. The righteous are crushed by the wicked and they fall under the weight of his power. Since God may not immediately rescue them, the wicked person is convinced that God does not care for or see the righteous.

Application

Do I ever feel like God is far off and not concerned about my situation? I need to remember that God is always concerned and waiting for the right time to accomplish His purpose.