Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)

At first glance this verse is less than pious. Yet, as lament, it is right on the mark.

Few of us address God this way. We use nice, polite, emotionless words. But this psalm expresses how we often experience life, inviting us to bring to God all the raw emotion we feel about the unfairness of life.

When life is tough, we often ask, "Where is God?" suggesting something is amiss with our religion. We may conclude it's not working. This psalmist makes God's absence normal.

Why do we not pray like this psalmist? I suggest that we have taken the doctrine of the incarnation to an illogical conclusion!

Having finished his earthly ministry, Jesus promised, "I am with you to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). We have interpreted this to mean that we will always 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 which he gave us. He did not promise to make our lives smooth or that we would always feel the balm of our faith. It must also be said that God's purposes are rarely understood by us. The disciples certainly didn't get Jesus very well.

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. When they have the power, they get to 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 and ruthless business leaders and dishonest politicians. How do we live in such a society?

First, we allow Psalm 10 to shape our prayers. Seeing the horrible ways that human society functions, the war, the poverty, the human trafficking, the destruction of the planet, we take the time for lament. We feel the pain of creation in turmoil, and we bring it all before God, daring to tell him that he better see what we are seeing.

Second, we do not join the arrogant in their lifestyles. We deliberately look at our lifestyles to discover the ways we may be contributing to the chaos. And instead, we 'act justly; we love mercy; and we walk humbly with our God' (Micah 6:8). We follow Jesus and partner with God in redeeming activities. Only God can establish his kingdom. Yet, he chooses to use us in the process. So, like Jesus, we go out and find those in need of him.

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 he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.