You won’t read the phrase “God hates…” often in scripture, despite popular misconceptions.
But I came across one of those passages this morning in my daily reading, a warning from ancient days: the wicked, those who love violence, God hates with a passion (Psalm 11:5).
Amazingly, credit for this psalm goes to David, a leader who swam in violence, living in a world of almost constant warfare. David understood the difference between those who dealt with violence, and those who loved it, who lived for it, who exalted in its cruelty and power.
I doubt if any readers of this blog are lovers of violence, or seek to propagate such behavior. I do know such people exist in our world today. And, with reflection, I realize that such tendencies exist in the recesses of my heart. So, I heed the warning.
Week three of reading the Bible cover to cover.
I was struck too by Psalm 11 this morning – “what can the righteous do when the foundations are being destroyed?” Not that I am so righteous, but I can definitely relate to the feeling of powerlessness.
It’s hard not to get the sense when watching the news lately. I am grateful for the next line, “He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.” But that doesn’t mean the foundations stop crumbling.
Yes. On the other hand, as hard as this season is, there is something encouraging about remembering that there is nothing new under the sun. We are not experiencing something unique in the history of the world. Something I always appreciate about the Psalms.