O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more. (Psalm 10:17-18)
David began Psalm 10 with questions. Where are You when we need you? Why are you uninvolved? After witnessing the oppression of the vulnerable, David cried out to God for justice. Maybe that’s what you feel in your current circumstance wondering when will God step in to defend you. The good news is He has.
Jesus took the punishment for our rebellion against Him on the cross. Every time we acted in greed (v3). Every time we lived as our own god (v4). Every time we acted deceitfully. We are earning God’s righteous judgement, which Jesus ultimately paid for. So when your heart accuses you of past sin and present struggles, Jesus is your defender (1 John 3:20). At the cross, Jesus defeated death and Satan in a preview of what is to come. No matter what happens in your life, in the end everything is going to work out. Pain and death will vanish (Revelation 21:4). Evil doers will terrorize no more (v18). So rest in the strength He provides you today (v17) as you look forward to the paradise with Him that He has for you later.