A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 33

Text: Psalm 10

OTHERS WHO STRUGGLE WITH THE PROBLEM OF EVIL

The psalmist David was not the only person who struggled with the problem of evil. There were others. The authorship of Psalm 10 is not known. The contents of this psalm however would indicate that the writer identified with David in his struggles in prayer against wickedness.

STRUGGLING WITH A BASIC ISSUE

The psalmist struggled deeply with a very basic but also very real problem. He could not fully appreciate why God seemed to have distanced Himself from the problems that plagued the righteous.

"Why do you stand afar off, O Lord?
Why do You hide in times of trouble?"
Psalm 10:1

1. God seemingly afar off

In the psalmist's understanding, he imagined that God would immediately rise up against the wicked. He could not understand why God seemed to "stand afar off."

2. God seemingly hid Himself in troublous times

This was most perplexing to the psalmist! How could God "hide Himself" in dark and difficult times?

RECOUNTING THE EVIL DEEDS OF THE WICKED

The psalmist was obviously troubled by what he saw. The wicked deeds perpetrated by evil men bothered him deeply. He made a list of the wicked activities and presented them before the Lord. Four observations may be highlighted.

1. Persecution of the poor

"The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor…"
Psalm 10:2a

2. Boasting

"The wicked boasts of his heart's desire…"
Psalm 10:3a

3. Renunciation of God

"He blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord…"
Psalm 10:3b

4. Pride

"The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God…"
Psalm 10:4a

The psalmist was troubled by all these things he saw. He could not fathom why God did not react as he did! He imagined that God would have taken action against the wicked but strangely, He had not reined in the wicked at all. With greater determination, he decided that he would seek the Lord in prayer! That was the wisest course of action!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~