September 3, God’s Slowness

Today’s reading: Psalm 11-15

“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion”
- Psalm 11:4-5.

Because God is silent at times, it is easy to think He doesn’t care or isn’t paying attention—but He does and is. David wrote in today’s passage that He is watching and examining everyone and has a particular disdain for those who love violence. In fact, David wrote that God “hates” the wicked and violent. This sounds harsh because hatred as a human emotion is connected to sin and is to be avoided. God is incapable of sin, however, so David is indicating that God has no tolerance for those who oppress others, even if it seems like He is being tolerant. Peter described the reason God is slow to act: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Do you see that God gives time for change, so when He judges anyone’s behavior, the person cannot say He did not allow plenty of time for repentance? Have you interpreted God’s slowness to act to mean He either accepts your behavior or doesn’t care? Of what attitude or behavior do you need to repent before it’s too late?