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Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? \xa0The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror (Psalm 10:1, 16-18)

At first glance the opening stanza of Psalm 10 strikes us as less than pious, \u201cWhy, O Lord, do you stand far off?\u201d But at a second glance it strikes us as right on the mark.

It may not be the way we normally talk to God: with nice, polite words. But is it not the way we often experience life?

When life is tough, we often ask, where is God? When life is difficult, we often think something is amiss with our religion. We think it's not working. But this psalmist makes God's absence normal.

What is going on here? Well, let me make this suggestion. We have taken the doctrine of the incarnation to an illogical conclusion!

In his final words to his disciples Jesus made this promise, "I am with you to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). I believe Jesus keeps this promise.

We have interpreted this to mean that we will always be able to feel His presence. Further, we believe it means our lives will by and large be the way we want them to be. I believe both these things are wrong.

Jesus promised to be with us as we fulfill the mission he gave us. He did not promise to make our lives smooth.

It must also be said that God's purposes are rarely understood by us. The disciples certainly didn't get Jesus very well. Jesus said that His kingdom is hidden.

This is the matter that the psalmist is lamenting. He firmly believes that the Lord is King forever and forever (16). He also believes that God hears and defends the helpless and the oppressed (17, 18). His problem is that he does not see it.

He is frustrated that the arrogant are having their way in this world. They tend to get on top and call the shots. Their wrecking ball is destroying society. It's become a blood bath.

It's the same today, isn't it? Murdering dictators in other countries and ruthless business leaders and dishonest politicians in ours. How do we live in such a society?

First, we allow Psalm 10 to shape our prayers. Second, we do not join the arrogant in their lifestyles. Rather, we 'act justly; we love mercy; and we walk humbly with our God' waiting for Him to establish His Kingdom.

As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.