The psalmist is grieving over his devastated nation because the brutal enemies invaded it, destroyed the temple, and defiled it. He is crying out to God who seems silent, holding back his mighty hand. His agonizing questions are "Why?" and "How long?" Yet the psalmist remains confident in God and his power to intervene. He believes that God is his King and brings salvation on the earth. He takes time to recall God's sovereignty, power and past act of salvation. So, by faith in God, he pleads with God to remember his people and his promises for God's namesake.

There are times in life when we find ourselves in the midst of the ruins due to the consequence of sin or the effects of living in a fallen world. We feel like the world has been turned upside down and God has cast us off. What is the best response in that situation? We still need to come to God, even with pained hearts and honest questions: "Why?" and "How long?" God waits for us to come just as we are through our earnest prayers. We also need to look back to what God has done in our lives and how he accomplished our salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection. The anchor of our faith is Jesus Christ our king who brings salvation on the earth.


Application: Lord, help me pray to you even in times of spiritual confusion and ruins, remembering your marvellous work in me and in the world.
One Word: God is my King