God Will Not Abandon Those Who Trust in Him
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The Need for Justice
Genocide. Oppression. Slavery. Terrorism.
These words remind us of great injustices within our world.
When we hear of such things we want them to stop.
We may wonder how such evil can exist in the world. Some people question the goodness of God to allow such things to take place.
Many people ask, “Where's the justice in all of this?"
But how is real justice determined?
What yardstick or measure should be used?
Who is able or trustworthy to decide what is just or unjust?
Scripture
For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Death of the Son.”
I will give ⌞you⌟ thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.
I will tell about all the miracles you have done.
I will find joy and be glad about you.
I will make music to praise your name, O Most High…
You have defended my just cause:
You sat down on your throne as a fair judge…
Yet, the Lord is enthroned forever.
He has set up his throne for judgment.
He alone judges the world with righteousness.
He judges ⌞its⌟ people fairly.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust you, O Lord,
because you have never deserted those who seek your help….
(Psalms 9:1-2, 4, 7-10 GW) [Context– Psalms 9]
Reflections and Insights
Many judgments made by human governments and rulers are subjective and unfair.
Too often, the undue influence of wealth and status subverts justice. This is played out in courtrooms and governing directives throughout the world.
We all want to claim our innocence or right to receive mercy. But true justice is impartial. And no one—no human—is free of bias or prejudice.
Impartial justice requires some standard of rightness and truth.
Yet, even when that exists, as in a constitution or other canon of law, how it's interpreted or meted out can be biased to favor one person over another.
God alone is true and just.
He sees what we do not and cannot know. The Lord is impartial—unmoved by wealth or status.
It is far better to trust in God than our own sense of right and wrong.
God is both just and merciful by nature.
God will not abandon those who seek Him and trust in Him.
Digging deeper to Make it personal...
Review the Scriptures above as you consider the following questions
How does this psalm begin and end? What is expressed at first and requested at the end?
What assurance is expressed about the Lord?
What is said about justice and those who trust in the Lord?
What is said about enemies and the fate of those who don't trust in God?
What assurance is given about the needy and poor and for the people or nations who oppress them?
When you see injustice or oppression, how do you react?
Are you bothered, even angered, when you see people receive leniency or an acquittal because of their wealth or status?
Have you endured unfair or unjust treatment in your own life?
Are you willing to entrust your life to God with confidence in His justice and mercy?
Would you like a free study guide for your study of Psalms?
Click the link for a free Psalms Study Guide
