When God Doesn’t Exist… Ps 10

In the 20th Century the most dangerous religion of all was atheism.  By far.  Almost 200 million dead, (200 million!) due to atheist leaders ruling countries.  When there is no accountability to God, and no reason for right or wrong, and right and wrong is based on what serves one’s self best, then there is death in the air.  And it is not new under the sun.

David begins this psalm with heartachee.

“LORD, why do you stand so far away?  Why do you hide in times of trouble?” (Ps 10:1).

What’s the problem?  What’s happening among the peoples?

“In all his scheming, the wicked arrogantly thinks; “There is no accountability since God does not exist.”

The problem was that atheism was abounding.

The result?

“Cursing, deceit and violence fill his mouth; trouble and malice are under his tongue.  He waits in ambush near the villages; he kills the innocent in secret places…” (Ps 10:7-8).

The result is violence, death and destruction.

“The helpless fall because of his strength” (Ps 10:10).

What is the atheist thinking?

“He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and will never see” (Ps 10:11).

“He says to himself, “You will not demand an account” (Ps 10:13).

So there is a sense that an atheist has of God.  But he sees God has having forgotten his people.  Not involved.

David’s prayer is this:

“Rise up, Lord God!  Lift up your hand.  Do not forget the afflicted…Break the arm of the wicked and evil person; call his wickedness into account until nothing remains of it” (Ps 10:12,15).

Then David affirms his faith in God:

“The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations will perish from His land.  LORD, you have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts.  You will listen carefully, doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed so that men of the earth may terrify them no more” (Ps 10:17-18).

It’s important that we affirm that God will render justice at the appropriate time.  If we don’t remember this, we will become like those who are wicked and do not care what they do, because they have no fear of God.