The psalmist grieves over the destruction of Israel‘s sacred places. The enemies of Israel are not content with conquest; they seek to erase every traceof worship to the one true God. - P80
In his despair, the psalmist wonders whythere are no signs or prophets from God to indicate when the suffering willend. - P80
This lament echoes the struggles of some believers today, who face aworld that increasingly opposes God and seeks to silence the truth. It canbe discouraging to stand for God in a culture that rejects Him. - P80
Yet, we arereminded that God‘s purposes will always prevail. Even when He seemssilent, He is still at work, and His faithfulness will endure forever. - P80
20Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
21Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace; may the poor and needy praise your name.
22Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long.
23Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.
- P85
The psalmist praises God‘s past mighty deeds, recalling His power over cre-ation and over His enemies. The psalmist remembers God‘s works, like thparting of the sea. He then pleads for God to defend His name against thosewho mock Him and asks Him to remember His covenant and rescue Hisoppressed people from their adversaries. - P85
When God delays in responding to our prayers, we can easily grow discouraged and impatient. We may wonder why He seems silent, especially whewe face hardship or injustice. The psalmist, however, does not allow his frugtration to consume him. - P86
He goes to God and recalls His mighty acts, fromdelivering Israel out of Egypt to sustaining creation itself. As he pleads withthe Lord for deliverance from oppression, the psalmist reminds himself andall of Israel of God‘s faithfulness throughout history. - P86
When we face mockery, oppression, and affliction, we can remember our history with God andbe encouraged that no opposition can alter His divine purposes. - P86
Thoughthe world mock Him and His people, His covenant remains steadfast.
We can be confident that God is our provider, sustainer, and refuge, andwe can turn to Him in trust, knowing that He never abandons His people. - P86
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