SOAP 05/13/2015; Psalm 7:11

Today's reading: Psalm 7

S) "¹¹ God is a righteous judge,
And a God who has indignation every day."

Psalm 7:11 (NASB)

O) David was asking for refuge in the LORD in this psalm. He began it by asserting his innocence at the (apparent) accusations of Cush. He welcomed his own demise, if he was guilty (see vv.3-5). He went on to ask for vindication, in light of his righteousness and integrity. It's important to understand a distinction here, though. David was not claiming to be innocent, or without guilt. His description of himself had to do with his honest repentance and love of God's laws (as evinced throughout his other psalms, and the other scriptures we have regarding the life of David). In his repentance, and sacrifices according to the Law, and his innocence in this particular matter, he was stating his case. When we get to the verse above, we can clearly see David was appealing to God's perfect standard and perfect character. He knew that a lack of repentance led to destruction (see vv.12-16), and so he was asking for justice.

A) The most appropriate way for me to relate to this verse, is to remember that God is a righteous judge of my own sins, and (try) to recognize the depth of grace involved in my salvation. Because of that grace within me, I should hope and pray for the repentance and salvation of every person, in the love of Christ. I should not seek their judgment, but should only pray for the will of God to be done. Recognizing that God sees (and judges righteously) indignations every day, I should be all the more motivated to pray for the salvation of many, especially those who are closest to me (i.e., friends and family).

P) Father, You are righteous in Your judgments and perfect in Your timing. Thank You for being slow to anger, and great in Your lovingkindness. I pray that it leads to the repentance of more and more people. I especially ask for You to move in the hearts of my unsaved family, and close friends. Open my eyes to see my role in bringing the truth of the gospel to them, and open my ears to hear Your voice and follow Your lead in those relationships. Let Your will be done in their lives, and on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.