On Tuesday, April 5th our church is set to read Psalm 10 as a part of our Bible Reading plan for the year. As I read it tonight, my heart breaks for those suffering because of evil. Could we together commit to take 10 minutes out of our day and pray our way through David’s Psalm on behalf of the oppressed in Ukraine? Below you will find some of Psalm 10 and then my prayer as a guide through Psalm 10 and for Ukraine.
1 Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2 In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
3 For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.
4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” [1]
.. … ….
12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted. [2]
… 14 to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.
16 The Lord is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land.
17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.[3]
Dear heavenly Father, it feels like another day of horror will be on display half-way around the world. Another heart-breaking story of terror-scheming, venom-producing, violent - life-taking insanity. How long, O Lord, how long before you send Jesus back to destroy the madness? How long before the wicked will be finally brought to an end? We know the end is near – but just how much longer will it be?
Anxiety and concern for our world could easily overtake us. It seems we either live totally unattached to hurts thousands of miles away or we allow it to overtake us. It’s hard not to feel fearful and angry when women, children, and the elderly lose their life because of evil tyrants. Help me, LORD, Help me come to you because you care, and that you care that I care. You want us to help and pray for your image bearers facing oppression.
Father, I offer my prayer, not arrogantly judging the sins of others to be more despicable than my own; but as one longing to see your justice reign and your peace settle. I accept this justice and peace may only come once we enter your new and readied kingdom. But, until Your Son – my Savior, comes again and splits the sky, give us grace to love and spread love. Help me to pray for those who are facing devastation. Help me continue to seek you and your Word for direction.
And evil – I’m so glad you have a plan. I trust you and seek you to end it – especially in those places where it seems to be triumphing. Rain coals on the perpetrators of evil – and use the unsettledness of the hour to point the way for thousands to draw near to the cross your Son bore. For without the cross our own evil would have finalized our sentence – were it not for grace. A thousand thanks Father, may I love passionately until I see you face to face.
Rescue LORD, you alone are king, forever and ever. Hear the prayers of the afflicted tonight – strengthen their hearts and their resolve. Bring justice and an end to terror. Take our fears and fuel our hearts with faith. Faith that will spread your Gospel and shine in those darkened corners where broken hearts can be healed for eternal glory! Let us see your grace and glory extinguish the hate and fear and let it begin in my heart and fan a thousand times a thousand more -In your glorious name – Amen!
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 10:1–4.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 10:12.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 10:14–18.