Compared to the psalms we have been studying this past Lenten season, this one feels very different. There isn’t talk of confession, restoration, or mercy. David is blatantly calling out injustice, using vivid imagery to further emphasize the wickedness of those he is accusing. The language he uses can feel very extreme, at least it does to me. I bet many of us try to avoid thinking of others in such terms, and instead choose to focus on the call of Jesus to love your enemies. But David is not wrong, there is wickedness in the world. There are powers at work spreading lies and evil, and there are people who listen to this deceit and perpetuate wickedness. It’s natural when we see the injustice that exists in the world to feel anger and despair. But how often do we go to God first with this anger and frustration?
David demonstrates a right response to the injustice he sees. He names it and rightly attributes its source. Then he calls on God to administer judgement, again quite vividly. As much as this psalm isn’t a joy to read, it can help give us language and direction when we are overwhelmed by the evil of this world. It’s too easy to demonize people, laws or systems while also relying on these same groups to properly deal out judgement. Unfortunately in our broken world, it often doesn’t happen this way. Our only hope for an end of injustice is from God. Praise God for being faithful to his children, for being the good and perfect judge, and for His promises of renewal and reconciliation!
- Christine L