In the 10th Psalm, the writer asks a question that many of us can relate to: “Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (1). His question is raised because of the wickedness in the world, and because wicked men “are always prospering” (5).
This does seem to be the case, doesn’t it? The wicked seem to have their way in the world, and the righteous are often oppressed by their duplicitous and evil ways. Take time to read the Psalm. The descriptions of the wicked man will seem familiar to you, and are well summarized by the following observations: “He has said in his heart, ‘God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see’” (11); and, “Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, ‘You will not require an account’” (13).
Of course, this is not true. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The thing is, ultimately all scores are settled in judgment. While for a time the wicked may have their way, in the end the righteous will rise up victorious. This is God’s promise to us. “Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
The Psalmist knew this… “But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand.” (14)
