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Psalm 58:9-11  

Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns—whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away. The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”

David was fed up. He was disgusted by wicked rulers that dispensed injustice throughout the earth. The evil authorities made the lives of their victims a living hell. They starved, persecuted, and killed those unfortunate enough to live in their realm. Their hearts and minds were calloused toward justice.

The atrocities that impassioned David still exist today. Ethnic killings in Darfur continue. Genocide and ethnic cleansing have been on the rise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Chad. The number of refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people around the world has topped 65 million. About one in nine people in the world do not have enough food to lead a healthy active life. Injustice continues around the globe.

But…there is a God who judges the earth. He is loving and just. His judgment will come at just the right time. Under His supreme authority, the wicked will be swept away and the righteous will be avenged. As David prayed for God’s swift judgment, so must we. 

Father, I am often only concerned about the things in my life. Give me a bigger picture of what is going on in the world. I pray for those around the world who are experiencing war, disease, starvation, persecution, and displacement. Bring justice to those who rule wickedly. Thank You that one day all things will be forever rectified by Your great power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.