Helper of the Helpless

One of the primary contrasts found in the first book of the Psalter is that between God’s people and their enemies, often referred to as “the righteous” and “the wicked.” You can certainly find this contrast in this morning’s sermon text (see Psalm 10:2, 8-10, 12-13, 18), as well as many of the psalms and hymns we sing in the service. Throughout the morning, we’ll identify ourselves as “weak and poor,” (Turn Your Ear And Answer—Psalm 86) and “poor and needy,” in desperate need of salvation (Come Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy). We’ll sing that God gives strength to His people (Psalm 68:35), maintaining them, providing for their needs, and delivering them from troubles (Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah—Psalm 146). We’ll take encouragement as the Lord commands the rulers of the earth to “give justice to the fatherless” and “defend the poor” (Arise, O God—Psalm 82), knowing that eventually all His (and our) foes will “fall beneath His feet” (Rejoice, The Lord Is King). While the wicked are characterized by pride (Psalm 10:4), we confess that we are sinners and justly considered enemies of God (Romans 3:10-11, quoting Psalms 14 and 53), and we ask the Lord to prevent us from falling to pride (The Wicked Man Fears Not The Lord—Psalm 36). We’ll conclude the service by singing back through portions of Psalm 10, reminding us of the Lord’s promise that the “heathen nations of the world will perish” and that the “helpless will find rest.” —Henry C. Haffner