5 Understandable Words for Today

“…You listen to their cry…” Psalm 10:17c (NIV)

The psalmist depicted the unrighteous as those who prey upon the weakness of others, believing there is no God; and if there was one, he would have forgotten their evil actions, or would cover his face, being too squeamish to look upon them (v.11). The poor are shown crying out to God in faith: “Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.” (v.12)

Many who walk in uprightness may find it difficult to accept that there are those whose minds are bent on evil and actually act in direct opposition to God. The wicked say they do not believe in Him or His Kingdom, yet they demonstrate just the opposite by their anger toward His people and their rejection of His precepts. They have essentially declared war against God, assuming they could never be held accountable for their actions (v.13).

Those who walk by faith, however, live in the confidence of God’s omniscient oversight and lovingkindness. God sees their trouble and grief, and takes it to heart. God is sympathetic to the plight of the poor and abused. Those who have been victims of the wicked often turn to God as their only hope for change, as He is The Helper to the fatherless (v.14).

The psalmist offers a prayer for those victimized by others:

“Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from His land. You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, and You listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.” (vv.15-18)

If you are in the midst of abuse or calamity of any sort by the hands of evil people, and feel you are hopelessly caught in a cycle of dysfunction and wickedness, perhaps the prayer above will empower you to do everything you can to confront your abusers and seek help. Knowing God is sympathetic to our life circumstances gives us confidence in approaching Him in prayer.

HE LISTENS TO OUR CRIES