Today’s reading is Psalm 52.
In Psalm 52:2-4, Saul and Doeg are taking refuge in their evil, in their might, in their wealth. They plot destruction with their tongues. They thought somehow they were in control. Why wouldn’t they? Saul was king. He had all the power in his hand. That upstart David was running around and hiding in the wilderness. The deck seemed to be stacked in their favor.
However, Psalm 52:5-7 declares the end of the matter even before it occurred. “God will break you down forever; he will snatch and tear you from your tent; he will uproot you from the land of the living.” Consider that last line. Uproot. A tree’s confidence is in its roots. David doesn’t say Saul or Doeg will simply be cut down, but will be uprooted. Their very hope for survival, their very strength, their very confidence is going to give way. They are digging their roots in the ground in order to hang on and withstand the storm. But God’s power against them is so amazing, He will pull their very roots out of the ground.
This psalm really gives a picture in two directions. There is the side of Saul and Doeg. Those who think their roots are dug in too deep to be defeated. They think they have it all under control. They think they will be able to bring judgment on any who stand in their way. The slaughter of Ahimelech the priest and his family demonstrates that. But they should not be so cocksure. God’s judgment is coming. Their roots will not help them.
There is also the side of David. Things don’t actually look so good for him at the moment. He is running in the wilderness. He is hiding in caves. He is barely surviving. His enemy is prospering. Yet, what confidence can he have? God’s judgment is coming. No matter how strong the enemy looks, God is stronger.
The same is true for us. Though the critics, the skeptics, the atheists, the enemies, the plotters rise up against us, though they seem to wield the power, though they bring all kinds of pressure against us, though they even persecute, imprison, and execute us, God’s judgment is coming. They will be broken down forever. They will be snatched from their very houses. They will be uprooted. And when they are, the righteous will laugh. They will point their fingers. They will taunt and say, “Look at the one who didn’t trust the Lord’s steadfast love.”
Everything will not continue as it always has. Judgment is coming. Put your trust in the Lord.
Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 52.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the psalm and the written devo above?
- When you think of God’s coming judgment are you comforted or frightened? Why?
- Does thinking about the coming judgment impact how you live today? How?
- On the other hand, is God’s steadfast love a greater motivator for you in your daily life than His coming judgment? If so, why and how?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this psalm and today’s post?
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