Daily Devotions - Where are You God?

Psalm 35:11-28 (NIV)
11 Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good and leave me like one bereaved. 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, 14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother. 15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; assailants gathered against me without my knowledge. They slandered me without ceasing. 16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me. 17 How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. 18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs, I will praise you. 19 Do not let those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; do not let those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye. 20 They do not speak peaceably but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land. 21 They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha! With our own eyes, we have seen it.” 22 Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God, and Lord. 24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. 25 Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. 27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” 28 My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.

 

How have you responded when people treated you unfairly?

 

Holy God, you see all things. You know all things. I am disheartened that there are people who repay evil for good. They viciously attack the innocent and say hurtful things. They laugh at those they have destroyed and make fun of them. They lie to people who just want peace. But all you do is watch! When will you do something? You see everything, Lord! The multitude of prayers from Your people does not seem to be heard. Please don’t keep silent or stay so far away. I cry out to You from the depth of my heart. I cannot pretend that all is well, and need to speak honestly to You. I feel vulnerable and come to You for comfort. Your silence draws me into an intimate relationship with You as I cry out to You. Lord, I need You. Let me have inward comfort under all outward troubles, to support my soul. By Your Spirit, You witness to my spirit that You are my salvation. You are my Friend no matter who is my enemy. It is not only when things go well that You are by my side. You are with me now, even though I can't see You. Help me to believe in Your plan. You know what is best during hurtful times. You see what I cannot see and You know is best. You will bring justice to the evil, and it will be in Your timing. During the waiting replace my doubts with faith, my tears with joy, and grow my confidence through my praise and worship of You. Reveal to me how You want me to respond and how I can serve You. Help me to recognize Your voice and Your hand moving as I listen as Your answer to my prayers.  I thank You for Your faithfulness. Amen