How long is the foe to scoff?

Psalm 74:10&11 How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?  Is the enemy to revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?  Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!

If only God would do what I want, then I am sure that my life would be much easier. Ever had that thought? Every once in a while it creeps out of the recesses of my mind and jumps into the forefront of my thoughts. And then I remember when I was trying to manage my own life. Oops! Not a good idea.

Occasionally I will become introspective and given over to deep thought. Granted, not all that often, but it happens. After all, even the blind squirrel will find the occasional nut. But seriously people, when you stop to think about our lives, the lives of our family and friends, the lives of fellow believers and world affairs you are left to wonder about what is thrown out there in Psalm 74:10 & 11. How can it escape your thoughts that why does God let things that are obviously so contrary to what it good and wholesome continue on in our world without intervening? By mortal standards, what is going on in parts of the world seems so unfair and begs for God to intervene. Why doesn’t God just step in and fix it? When I am wrapped up in these thoughts, a thought creeps into my mind about my life and my world. And I will ask you, how well are you doing with your own little part of the world? There is something Jesus said in Matthew 7:3 “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”  It is so much easier to solve the problems of others than to actually address what is wrong in my life. Does this happen to you too?

And then there is this thing called trust in God to know what to do in all things at all times. It is an important part of faith. Do you and I really trust in God to know what is best in our lives, the lives of family and friends and the world we inhabit? Interestingly, although not when you consider the big picture, Psalm 74:12 wraps it up in a nice pretty bow. Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.  The not so subtle reminder placed right after the call for God to “whack” the enemy, reminds all that God is in charge. God has the plan. God has the bigger picture in mind. And our roll is to seek out the will of God in prayer and diligent study of His Word. So, when I am tempted to take matters into my own hands I have to remember I am not the one in charge. The job of “Boss” is filled by God the Father. And as the old saying goes, Father knows best.

PRAYER: Lord of Heaven and Earth. You are in charge of all aspects of our lives and this world. When I am tempted to step in and insert my will over Your will, please gently remind me that You are God, and I am not. Help me to find the words in scripture that reinforce in me Your majesty and supremacy in all things. Guide me in my ways that I will not stumble or fail You O God. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen