I don’t like watching the news. One of the perks of living in a small, rural town is that it’s easier to detach from the outside world. I do this for my sanity. There is such a thing as being TOO aware of the realities in this dark and evil world.

The other night, my mother-in-law and I were listening to Fox News in the car. One topic they were covering was how people are using apps and websites to order children for “services” in a matter of 15 minutes.

I’m aware this kind of thing has been going on for a long time now, but it’s becoming more and more prevalent. This means clientele is abundant and diverse. They play golf,

When I hear things like this, my mind goes to dark places thinking of all the ways I would like to take vengeance on these people. My thoughts are far from Christ-like. The anger in me wants to see them punished in the most sadistic and inhumane ways possible for what they do to children.

In Psalm 7, David is referring to Cush, a Benjamite, who was spreading false accusations against David. Instead of taking revenge, he calls on God to appoint judgement.

Arise, O LORD, in your anger;
lift yourself up against the fury of my enemies;
awake for me; you have appointed a judgement.…
The LORD judges peoples;
judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness
and according to the integrity that is in me.

Psalm 7:6,8

judge me, O LORD,…

He’s not only asking God to judge his enemies, David is asking God to judge him as well. He was so sure of his innocence that this request was made with honesty and without fear.

When I meditate on these verses, the Holy Spirit convicts me. I want the people who hurt children to suffer tremendously, but on whose behalf beside my own? It will not erase what these children have been through, nor will it bring anyone closer to Christ. It would simply be for my own gratification. How does that make me any better than them?

Arise, O LORD, in your anger…

David is praying for God to wake up, stand up, rise up, and get angry. Whenever we desperately want to see justice served, it’s never quick enough. It may even seem like God is unbothered by it all. Will the wicked go unpunished??

And then I’m reminded of the cross. God knows suffering and injustice better than anyone. He’s not blind to it. He’s not sleeping through it. He’s been through it, and there will come a day when He will put an end to it.

As difficult as it may be, I need to place my vengeful thoughts in the shadow of the cross because that’s who vengeance belongs to.

…He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world…

Acts 17:31

This day is coming soon. He will wipe away every tear, and the wicked will be judged. I can rest in this promise.

Songs of hope for that great day: