Read: Psalm 94:1-15
Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! (v. 2)
Human justice can only be imperfect. Our knowledge and understanding are limited; we can’t fully know a person’s true intentions or see into the human heart. Also, we are corruptible by nature because of the fall; jurors have prejudices, lawyers can misrepresent, and judges can be influenced. It’s no wonder that justice is often denied.
It’s a comfort for believers to know that our righteous Judge will bring about true justice one day. Even when it seems as though wicked people are getting away with all kinds of evil, God will avenge his people. Psalm 94 speaks of heinous crimes against the innocent: “they kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless” (v. 6). But while the wicked believe that “the Lord does not see” (v. 7), they are very much deceived. God not only hears what they say and sees what they do, he is also aware of their very thoughts (v. 11). His justice is founded on his own righteousness, and he will avenge his people.
God is the righteous Judge, and he will bring about justice in his own time. Our job is to wait patiently on him—and not to take matters into our own hands. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19). That will be true and righteous justice indeed. —Laura N. Sweet
As you pray, trust God will bring about true justice in his own time.
About the Author
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian schoolteacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
