Cat and Mouse Games

Psalm 10:9

"He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; He lies in wait to catch the poor; He catches the poor when he draws him into his net. So he crouches, he lies low, That the helpless may fall by his strength."

Father God, I feel there’s a distance between us when I’m in a bind and need Your help. You’re in another time zone and aren’t taking my calls. Are you avoiding me? You see my name on the caller ID, and don’t pick up!

Don’t You know there are people here on Earth who thrive on others’ misery? They’ve practiced their skills for years and have developed them into an art form. I realize You’re waiting for the precise millisecond to spring their traps back onto them. I’m sorry I’m so impatient, Lord. I’m just keen to hear the “Clang!”

They keep boasting about their latest escapades. They spend quality time back-slapping their accomplices, playing “Who’s got the biggest and baddest ‘Toys’?” They jeer at You disrespectfully, Lord, in front of the world. It’s no wonder. They’ve sold all of their honor for ‘Stuff!’

Their hearts have room for only one god, and it’s not You, Lord. “Ego’s the name, and I am The Game!” They call on their co-conspirator, science, to explain You away as if science itself was a logical entity. Gimme a break! They think throwing billions of years into their evolutionary equation will make more sense to the masses. Sorry, they thought wrong!

They’ve sharpened their tools of greed to carve out more wealth for themselves at the expense of justice. They travel along their roads entirely oblivious to Your will, O Lord. They show no respect to any who oppose them, who will not automatically give them their “Yes-Man” submission.

Without You in their lives, Father, they literally see no injustice in the World. No longer is there a bold line between “Right” and “Wrong.” They have zero fear of repercussions. They buried the humility You initially planted within them and polished their pride to a flash before earthly eyes. Without You, Lord, they have no checks and no balances. They want none!

Daily, their dark hearts generate acidic bile to vomit onto anyone who's in their way. They turned off their filtering system long ago and never wanted that switch to be flipped on again. The tongue is their most destructive weapon, and they wield it like an expert swordsman. En garde!

Their favorite sport is to scope out easy “marks” and devise fool-proof ways to profit from their misery. Their credo: “I deserve it because I’m smart enough to take it from You... if You’re dumb enough to let me.” Chutzpah!

·       Just as in David’s day, there are people who plot to abduct life from the innocent. Diabolically, they lay their traps before our children. The snares are baited with promises of youthful gratifications and extended adolescence. Their strategies are expertly formed to destroy families... all for substantial profit.

·       The power they amass using their ill-gotten resources only enhances their evil strategies. Their confidence has been raised to its highest level. They complete their due diligence and thoroughly research their quarry. They know precisely what makes the collective herd “tick!”

They might have heard about You, Abba, but You’re the One Who lies powerless in their minds. “What could Your God possibly do to frustrate one ounce of our devilry? Besides, everyone else does it. So... what has Your God done lately?”

Remember us, Father, in these times. I humbly ask You, Lord: “Please, do something! They’re getting away with murder! Quite literally!” What are You waiting for, Father? Can’t You see that they don’t believe they’ll be held accountable to You, Lord, or anyone? Why should they be? They don’t hold themselves accountable! But Your Word says that everything will be balanced someday. And on that day, the Ledgers of Man will be stamped “Reconciled!”

I realize You see everything, Abba, and You will punish them as You see fit. But Lord, we’re feeling pretty vulnerable here, and the buzzards (wannabe vultures) are circling. Where else can we go? Fact: We must gather strength from Your Word and put our hope in You alone. That’s the only place of goodness left for us because the world is fresh out!

Lay out a dragnet and make a clean sweep of all who come against You and Your children, Lord. Deal out swift justice. Bust them, cuff them, and throw Your Book at them, Father! Take off the blindfold of Your Justice, Lord! You are our Eternal and Holy King. When other nations refuse to accept Your sovereignty, Father, they’ll be discarded into the litter box of antiquity.

We are comforted, Father, when we read that You see all our dreams and desires. We do not doubt that You listen to every breath we take. We’ve forgotten to consider if we’ll take another. But when the dust settles, Abba, two things Your Word makes certain: You’ll comfort the oppressed and dispense discomfort to the oppressors! Anticipation brims!