.....cry

 "To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I  lift my hands toward your Most Holy Place... Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy." Psalm 28:1-3.6  

The distress the psalmist expresses in today's scripture is evident. He sees the wickedness around him and is feeling desperate to see justice done. Perhaps he is questioning why evil seems to prosper and is ready to see the wicked receive the punishment they so richly deserve (v.4). Even in this moment when he feels as though evil is prevailing, he turns his heart towards God and acknowledges that God is our hope in all circumstances, especially in those that seem hopeless.

I can relate to the psalmist, as I too have cried out to God for justice when I see all the evil in our world. At times it may be easy to question God as to why he allows such suffering. The truth is that it was never in God's original plan for evil and suffering to be part of our lives. He created everything perfect and beautiful. 

Adam and Eve had the privilege of experiencing the life God intended for us. It was only because of human mistakes and disobedience to God that sin entered the world. Ever since, there has been a constant struggle of good versus evil around us, and within us. Our decision to follow Christ is an intentional choice we make every day, despite the temptations and struggles that arise.

In John 16:33 Jesus said that we would have troubles in this world, but he also reminds us to take heart because he has overcome the world. He continues to be the hope that this broken world so desperately needs. Let us, like the psalmist, choose to draw near to God in our desperation, instead of being drawn away from God because of it. God will hear our cries, he will answer, and he will be beside us through it all.

- crystal b