READ Psalm 89:9–18. 9 You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. 10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies. 11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. 12 You created the north and the south; Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. 13 Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. 18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
MIGHT AND RIGHT. Here are two attributes of God. He is all-powerful (verses 9–13) and he is perfectly righteous (verses 14–18). To those confident of their own insight, suffering disproves the existence of such a God. They reason that he would want to end suffering if he were good, and he would do so if he were omnipotent. Since evil continues, they conclude, God can’t be both. But we should admit that an infinite God could have good reasons for allowing suffering that our finite minds can’t fathom. Once we take the more humble stance, God’s attributes are of deep comfort. Because he is all-powerful, nothing is out of his control. Because he is perfectly righteous, everything will eventually work together for good in the end (Genesis 50:20).
Prayer: Lord, my heart often resents your power and questions your righteousness. But when I think I know better than you, I sink under anxiety. How truly “blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you” (verse 15)! The more I accept your goodness and control of things, the more I can relax. Amen.