First Church of God

The first thing I notice about Psalm 10 is the conflict between the wicked and the victims.  Of course I am a victim, certainly not one of the wicked.  I don’t lie in wait devising a plan to murder someone.  But then I begin to see myself in some of the descriptions of “the wicked.”  These verses cause me to take a second look at my own heart:

He boasts about the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy.   Psalm 10:3

Even in this economically depressed time, in the U.S. we still are so rich and focused on possessions.  And sadly we don’t even recognize it as unusual or wrong.  How can anyone who thoroughly embraces this life of affluence not be challenged by these words in verse 3?

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.  Psalm 10:4

But Lord, I am seeking You now, in this very moment.  Yes, but where will your mind be a half hour from now?  At lunch time?  In the middle of the afternoon?  How often do thoughts of me get crowded out by all the busy work in your brain?  Is there room for thoughts of God?  Are you seeking me more than you are seeking other things?

Your laws, Oh God, are rejected by him;  Psalm 10:5

Reject your laws?  I don’t reject your laws, do I?  You don’t reject the big ones (the ones you want to follow anyway).  But then, according to you, there are some commandments that are not so critical; not so important.  Why do you reject those and choose to disobey me?  Why do you think that I would not have a problem with that?

He says to himself, “I will always be secure.”
He swears, “I will always be happy.”   Psalm 10:6

I want you to experience happiness! But just like the wicked person, you look mainly to outside sources for your security and happiness.  Why?  Why do you not cling to me for this?

The sinners say to themselves, “God will never notice;  he covers his face and never sees.”  They sin, and think to themselves,  “God won’t hold me accountable.”   Psalm 10:11,13

I am interested in every detail of your life, I have counted all the hairs on your head, I care about you more than you can imagine.  So when you choose to sin, I notice it.  And every choice has a consequence, so don’t think there are no consequences to sin; I love you too much to ignore that.

Hmmm...  I'm not a wicked person.  But we sure do have some characteristics in common.