Tag Archives: Psalm

I Don’t Want to Be Absent from His Presence

How does it feel to be absent from the presence of the Lord?

Empty.

That’s probably the best way I could put it. If you can relate to feeling like you’re in a void. Alone. Unloved and desperate – yea, that’s how it can feel too.

I don’t know about you. I don’t know your personal walk with Him. Maybe you know Jesus, maybe you don’t. I just know for me, it feels empty. This is not a teaching. Nor do I intend to sound preachy. I do not desire to tell you what to do, but to help you. Maybe help by stating how I feel.

Have you ever heard that saying -“You may be the only bible some people read.” This is true. As a child of the Living King, He wants me to use my hands and feet. I also believe He wants me to use my mouth too. The telling of my personal experiences can make an impact on you.

I can remember a time when I felt like He wasn’t there. You could call it a “dry season.” Utter silence during prayer. In that silence, I struggled. In that silence, I felt lost. Yet, in that silence, I persisted. I knew He was there, but I desired Him more.

You see, I’ve tasted and seen (Psalm 34:8). I know how good He is, and I’m blessed. Of all these years, how did I survive without Him? Why did I not desire Him then? How come no one ever told me how good He is? I knew of Him but didn’t KNOW Jesus. I’m sold! I’m a firm believer in Hebrews 6:4-6.

Now that I know Jesus, I cannot live without Him. 

This may sound silly, weird, and maybe obsessive to some, but don’t you feel that way about your loved one? Haven’t you said this at least once? About your father, mother, sister, or brother? Maybe even a close friend or lover? 

Imagine you are a merchant who sought beautiful pearls. One day, you found THE one pearl of great price. You’d sell all you had just to have it. This is like the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:45-46).

Once you grab a hold of something worth more than life, it’s hard to let go of it. This is Jesus for me. If you know Jesus, what is He to you? If you don’t, would you be willing to?

This Is For The Little Guy – Psalm 10

This is for the little guy. Who’s the little guy? “That’s you! And me! And we!” Sorry! I’m a KidTimeStoryTime [YouTube channel] fan! If you know who that is, you get it. Anyway, this is for the little guy who feels or is oppressed. The little guy who is drained by the devices of monopolies and overlords. I won’t talk politics, I promise, but you get it!

Have you ever wondered why the wicked prosper? Why it feels like there is no remedy for your situation? Day after day. Night after night. Day and night you try to lift your head high. Just high enough to catch a breath. You’re not drowning but the weight leaves you struggling. Struggling and fighting to find solid ground. You fight to be able to stand ten toes down hoping…you get on solid ground.

My family and friends bemoan about this to no end. I’m no exception. I catch myself sometimes asking, why? “Jesus, I’m not asking for all the riches in the world. Why do the wicked prosper and people like me suffer?” I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I have a good good Father. I don’t understand why He does what He does. Why He allows what He allows, BUT I take comfort in His faithfulness and saving grace.

King David (presumably) wrote a psalm on this very thing. Psalm 10 eloquently drives through the point that the wicked with willful intent oppress and murder the poor, innocent, and fatherless. “Why O[h] Lord do You stand far away? Why do You hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). In their pride and arrogance, they ignore the will of God. They believe that God looks the other way at their transgressions.

They boast about their wealth. They say there is no God! They believe their actions will not be met with consequences. For they say in their hearts, “I shall not be moved; throughout all generations, I shall not meet adversity” (Psalm 10:6). Like a predator stalking his prey, he lies in wait – ready to pounce. Who wouldn’t yearn for them to be caught in the snares they lay for the little guys?

This is an earnest prayer from the Psalmist. We, the helpless feel crushed and unable to defend ourselves. Oh Lord, forget not the oppressed and afflicted. Oh Lord, forget me not. Why do they believe with all their hearts they can get away with their actions? See what they do Lord? Call them into account!

Subdue! Break the enemy and pass judgment until there is no offense to account for.

I feel that way, and I am not ashamed to say. I’m human. Do you? I tire of the wicked seemingly prospering all the time. Yet, I give praise to the Lord. The wicked may prosper now, but where will they be for eternity? I remind myself that my treasures are not to be laid here but stored in heaven. I am reminded that “the Lord is King forever and ever…” (Psalm 10:16).

I know my Father in heaven will incline His ear. I know that He will administer justice to the fatherless, oppressed – to us little guys. This is the confidence I have in Him. Give praise and glory to the Lord Almighty even in your troubles. Have great confidence and faith that He will hear your pleas in prayer. Our Father is one of hope, not despair.

The Psalmist ends with the same sentiment. He finds comfort in knowing that God Almighty will cleanse the earth of all sin and suffering. Relieved with the assurance that His children will never experience terror and persecution again.

17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 10:17-18

Psalm 10 may not answer the why, but you can find solace. Read Psalm 10. Take heart and fear not. No matter the circumstance, press on. You will find solid ground. As always, fix your eyes on the hope and saving grace of Jesus.