Jan 2 Daily Rhythm

Morning
Psalm 58:1- 5

Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray from birth, speaking lies. They have venom like the venom of a serpent, like the deaf adder that stops its ear, so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter.

This is a lament. The “gods” in verse 1 are those who rule the affairs of men. In our context they may be technology, political powers, judicial decisions, your boss, or even parents. All are to some degree or another self centered and violent. Consider this is one subject to the whims of others. Cry out of the unfairness. But also, for the sake of personal evaluation, consider this as one who also controls something. Where do you experience injustice? Where are interfering with justice?

Afternoon
Psalm 58:6-9   

O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD! Let them vanish like water that runs away; when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted. Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime, like the stillborn child who never sees the sun. Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns, whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away!

Consider for your own errors how the gospel might change you. Now also consider that the sword of Christ is coming to the earth to eventually sweep away all injustice and unfairness. Christian, where is your hope today?

Evening
Psa. 58:10-11

The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

This is the kind of descriptive talk of coming justice that sometimes makes us balk. No self respecting American can admit to enjoying the image of bathing their feet in the blood of their offender. We want to only speak of a God of love. But love means that injustice is appropriately dealt with. God is a God of love because he will set right all that is broken. Violently when necessary. This is presented as a comfort to those who love him.