Psalm 10

There are two truths in psalm 10:17-18 that are to comfort us when we are oppressed. The first is that God listens to the prayers of the oppressed. So when the walls of circumstances or personal attacks seem to be closing in on us God has offered us an outlet. But it is not retaliation through word or deed. Our outlet is to pray to God. That goes against our nature but it is the direction that God has given us. The second message of encouragement is that God defends the oppressed. The biggest struggle I have with that promise is that I hear about a lot Christians who suffer and die for their faith, and I wonder; how is God defending them? Perhaps I have adopted the worlds definition of defense. Maybe his defense is not seen in this life. There is no question that he will defend our eternal self; no one can snatch that part of us away from him. When we are burdened to the point of breaking God will be with us so that we do not snap.
Stuart