SCRIPTURE: Psalm 83
It’s hard to relate to this Psalm.
Our situations are not the same, so we cannot imagine the psalmists despair and suffering.
Imagine people in Nigeria or Sudan, where lawlessness reigns: a poor farmer crying out to God against the armed groups stealing or burning their crops, taking their sons, raping their daughters, demanding goods for protection.
“Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind.” (Psalm 83:13)
I can see why Asaph is demanding vengeance, justice, protection, and suffering for their oppressors.
But I also see how the reason for his prayer is so that they might know Who God is.
“Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they will seek your name.” (Psalm 83:16)
There is something redemptive in this song, a desire that wicked people would come to their senses.
And sometimes it takes suffering and shame to wake people up, to show them they are not invincible.
Through Asaph I am reminded that I need to pray for my opponents too – no matter who they are.
I am reminded of Jesus on the cross: “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34)
Whatever it takes, help them to see You, to be humbled and convicted, and to repent.
Who are the people that bother or oppose or trouble me – am I praying for them too?
“Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord— that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” (Psalm 83:18)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I’m not suffering like the people in this psalm. But there are people that annoy or hinder me. Help me to see that they need to know You too – just like I do. Help us all to come to our senses.