Open Eyes and Mouth

“Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD.” (Psalm 10:1–3, ESV)

(St. Augustine is famous for writing a book called “The Confessions,” which was written as a prayer to God. In the same spirit, I plan to write these posts as a prayer to God. You can find more of these posts here.)

Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

Heavenly Father, I don’t always understand the way you work. In some of the most difficult times in my life, it seemed like you were far away. Why? Why would you stand at a distance while I struggle? Why would you hide yourself when I faced trials? It doesn’t make sense.

Yet, Father, I still trust you. Even though you seem far away, I know you care for me like a child. I wonder if, like a parent, you stand far away to help me mature—to grow. I know that “helicopter parents” prevent their children from growing or maturing. Is that what you’re doing?

Father, I don’t always understand the way you work, but I understand one important thing. You are God and I am not. I don’t have to understand. That’s not my job. I need to trust. Help me trust in you during difficult times. Help me trust you when you seem far away.  

In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.

Father, the world around me seems to be going crazy. I not only see a world full of wickedness, but a world full of arrogance—pride. They attack those who are weak. They attack the poor and needy and lowly. They take advantage whenever they can. 

Father, don’t let them get away with it. You’ve promised to humble those who exalt themselves in pride. You’ve promised that the wicked would be caught in their own schemes and devices. You’ve promised that you would protect your people. So, Father, please protect your people and don’t let the wicked prosper. 

Father, I also recognize the temptation of my own heart. It’s not just the world that is full of wickedness and pride. Wickedness and pride live in my own heart. I still try to exalt myself. I still commit wicked acts. Forgive me, Father. Heal me, please. I don’t want to be this way. I don’t want to do these things. So, please cleanse me, make me new, and strengthen me to live in ways that bring you glory. 

For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD.

Father, the world is calling us to “follow the desires of heart,” yet you tell us something different. You tell us that the wicked boast of their desires and follow their desires. Those following their greedy desires will follow those desires away from you—cursing the entire way. 

Father, help them see a better way. Help them understand that their natural/sinful desires will only lead them to destruction. Help them understand that their greed is leading them away from you. Open their eyes to see the beauty of the renewed life in Christ—a life where our desires are renewed and re-aligned toward you, not away from you. 

Father, I can’t end without asking that you give me strength and courage to speak this truth to the world. I not only pray that you would open THEIR eyes, but that you would also open MY eyes and mouth. Help ME see the beauty of a renewed life in Christ and open MY mouth to speak about those beauties to the world around me.