February 1 - Psalm 10, 11, and 12

Today's reading in our daily plan is Psalm 10, Psalm 11, & Psalm 12. Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you from this passage. Then read, using the following notes and questions to help you get everything out of the passage.

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• As you read Psalm 10 you quickly realize that the question “How can God allow so much pain in the world?” is not a new one but the writer at the end of it recognizes that God is still eternal and hears the cries of the afflicted.
• In Psalm 11 we read that the Lord loves justice. It says upright (or innocent) men can face him.
• Again in Psalm 12 we get this sense of the writer being uneasy with the seeming injustice in the world but in the end faith that God will protect.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• This world is indeed full of sufferings but God is also a just God. God is always near if we look for him, even in the midst of our pain. 
• The Psalmists had no problem being open with the turmoil that sometimes warred within them. Each Psalm is like a prayer, and in our lives there are times when our prayers might seem dark.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• We all go through cycles in life, times we feel near to God and times we struggle to sense him. God can handle our confusion and honesty. Even though you may not fully understand it, are you at a place where you can trust God no matter what is going on around you?