1. In his arrogance and pride (1-11)

The psalmist cries out to God, 'Why, LORD, do you stand far off?' because injustice prevails but God seems silent. The wicked man in his arrogance and pride strikes the weak and innocent, and speaks blasphemies, but his ways seem to be always prosperous. Like the psalmist, many people wonder and question about injustice in the world and God's seeming silence.

2. Call the evildoer to account (12-18)

The psalmist petitions God to act for the righteous against the wicked man. He prays that God who is the helper of the helpless may see the trouble and grief of the helpless and break the arm of the wicked man. In verses 16-18, the psalmist trusts in God who is King forever, hears the cry of the afflicted, and brings about justice to the helpless. God delays his justice patiently, 'not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance' (1Pe 3:9). Yet the day God calls evildoers to account will come. So, with patience, we should trust in God, and encourage and pray for God's people.


Application: Lord, we trust in you, our eternal King, and we ask you to break the arm of Satan and save the helpless.
One Word: Defend the helpless