5 How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; 7 for they have devoured Jacob and destroyed his homeland. 8 Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. 9 Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.

While we do not have the opportunity of talking with God in the same sense that the Psalmist did, we can learn from his communications. On many occasions, he would ask God questions and God would answer him verbally. Today we have his written word that reveals his truth to us and we have his Spirit to live in us and reveal the understanding of his truth, give us wisdom to use it and direct our hearts to do his will. As in the day of the Psalmist, God punished those who refuse to do his will. He often warns us and reminds us to do his will. He points out our sin and rebellion in the events that transpire around us. The more we trust God in everything, the more we see him working all around us and are reminded to trust him and do his will.

One of the more difficult things for all ages is how and why God would use someone who is more wicked to punish the one who is less wicked. This is seen in nations that blaspheme the name of God and yet conquer nations that seem to acknowledge God. It is seen in individual lives of those who are controlled and mistreated by others when the controller is more wicked. How do we harmonize this with the belief of a loving God?

God himself tells us that he is in control and that he can and will use the ones he chooses to use for his purposes. However, he also tells us that he will punish the wicked aggressor in the end. We may live to see it or we may not, but God will do what he says.

How does all this fit us today? We must trust God. When we feel that we are being chastised we are to examine ourselves and in humble penance accept his cleansing thru the blood of Jesus. We know that whatever God does is right and fair. We are confident that he is working for our good. Praise God!

O God, I give you all praise. Help me to trust you more so that I will praise you in my life. Open my eyes that I may see you more readily. Destroy my will that I may submit to your will in all things. Motivate me to open my heart and live for you with a loving, compassionate and forgiving spirit. Help me to be the best servant I can be by serving those around me. I thank you for your Son who gave his life for me. In his name I offer this prayer.

May God bless each of us as we live for him in reverence today.