Wednesday, September 30, 2009
When God Seems Distant
(Psalm 10)
The Psalms address timeless issues, frequently in context of David’s personal experiences. Psalm 10 records what commentators call “David’s complaint” to God—his questioning God’s presence in times of trouble.
Even the most faith-filled of saints sometimes wonders about the presence of God. Certainly David had experienced God in an undeniably real fashion, yet he sometimes doubted God’s presence. Note, David did not doubt God’s existence—just His presence. In the midst of vexation and tumult, David never stopped believing in God; but sometimes he asked, “God, where are you” (1)? In effect David was saying, “God, I know you’re out there. Could you please show Yourself in my time of trouble?”
It is important to remember—especially through troubled times—that God is never actually distant. He may mask His presence, but he is always near (Acts 17:27). He may hide His face for a moment, but He will ultimately demonstrate loving kindness and mercy (Isa. 54:89).
Wicked men view their prolonged success at sin as invincibility (2-10). Some take ongoing sin as evidence that God is not paying attention (11). Make no mistake about it, my friend: God does see; and God keeps the score. He may not bring immediate judgment, but He will act. He may appear to be distant, but in reality He’s very close. Remember, “they eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3).
