In verse three a question is raised before the Lord that has been asked by the righteous for countless ages, “How long shall the wicked, O Lord, how long shall the wicked exult?” It is obvious that, in this world, wickedness does frequently triumph. There are times when the Lard’s work, the Lord’s people seem to be overwhelmed by the power of people who oppose the work of the Lord. There are also times when people who are guilty of wrong escape their punishment and flourish again. Those who love the Lord look at what is, and visualize what could have been and cry out, “How long, O Lord?”

People who are completely filled with worldly ways discount the power and ability of God to deal with sin. Such attitudes are to be expected for two reasons. First, if a wicked person accepts the power and authority of God, then that person also knows that God will judge those actions. Acknowledgement of sin is the first important step to salvation. The person who is wicked, and intends to stay that way, will not accept that God exists or is able to do anything about individual actions. This is why Christianity is so often attacked over “other” world religious writings. In just about every other religious system, the believer has some control over what happens. He, or she, can “improve” themselves, can “grow” to new religious levels, can “achieve” the ultimate destination pretty much on their own. Yet, the Bible teaches that, apart from Jesus Christ, there can be no forgiveness for sins. Sin must be resolved. The worldly person will not accept that fact.

The second reason for rejection is the prince of this world, the Devil, blinds those who do not want to see the truth. The Devil is described as the “Prince of this world”. The sad fact about any person caught up in sin or evil is that person is a slave, a mere tool to further Satan’s ends. One who consciously, or unconsciously, serves Satan faces a bleak future in this life and the life to come. There is no sense of loyalty or reward for “faithful” service for the Satan. He will eventually betray, ruin, and destroy all those who serve him. To reject or ignore God will not change that fact nor the fearful destination which awaits those who will not follow the will of the Living God.
Beginning in verse 8, the Psalmist tries to show the power and ability of God to those who to mock Him. “Pay heed, you senseless among the people; and when will you understand, stupid ones?” For the faithful, it is inconceivable that people cannot understand what is happening in their lives. Criminals often operate at night to “hide” their crimes and “escape” punishment. But there IS no hiding from God. The Psalmist wrote, “He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge? The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath.” Certainly, the God who gives knowledge to mankind has the knowledge to know who has and has not submitted to Him. To the Living God, the mockery and justification for sinning means nothing, because all power and authority still rests with Him.

In contrast, those who have turned and followed the Lord are assured of refuge, help, peace and strength to face and overcome the enemies of this world. One of the greatest points of reassurance is that nothing can effect the inheritance which is held in Heaven for every Christian. Wealth, power and strength in this world will eventually fail or fade away. But through Jesus Christ, the PROMISE of eternal life is never shaken.

In verses 13-15 the Psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law; that You may grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. For judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.”

Christians do face problems and trials, and Christians do experience anxiety; but the outcome is far different because there IS the power and help of the Lord. Clearly, the Psalmist had shared in such things, because he wrote of his danger in verse 17, and of his deep anxiety in verse 19. Yet in all cases, he overcame through the power of God, and felt great joy.

So, the choice is clear. A person can submit to God, follow the path of righteousness in Jesus Christ and find protection, hope and a home whose beauty surpasses all description. Or, a person can reject the offer of the Lord, be judged in his, or her, sins and be destroyed with Satan.

Let all Christians pray with thankful hearts for the gift freely offered through the sacrifice and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All hope, love and peace rests with Him. Thank you Lord. (Jim Shelburn)