Lord, God of vengeance – God of vengeance appear. Rise up, Judge of the earth; repay the proud what they deserve. Lord, how long will the wicked – how long will the wicked gloat? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers boast. Lord, they crush Your people; they afflict Your heritage. They kill the widow and the foreigner and murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord doesn’t see it. The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.”
But the Lord is my refuge; my God is the rock of my protection. He will pay them back for their sins and destroy them for their evil. The lord our God will destroy them. Psalm 94:1-7, 22-23
My words…
Praise
Lord, when I hear the word vengeance, I cringe. The word carries an undertone of violence without control. But then I realize that I have formed that idea from how mankind handles vengeance: We stalk, prey, beat, lynch, murder, rationalize, and justify. We grow incensed by the absence (or perceived absence) of justice, and vengeance is an emotional release. Every day I hear of wicked people lurking around corners, snatching children from playgrounds. Some behead innocent civilians and post the footage on the internet. Others beat and rob the elderly in their homes; they kidnap children to use in despicable ways. In short, they ruin lives. And I want those innocents avenged. But vengeance doesn’t belong to me. I don’t own it. It’s Yours. Those who are evil boast about their wickedness as if they are accountable to no one. They are not afraid of You. They do not respect You. They think You cannot see; they think You cannot hear. But You, oh God, created the eye, and You see each tear. You created the ear, and You hear each cry. You, who judge each motive and action, are the Perfect Avenger. You’re not going to get it wrong. Woe to those who prey on the innocent. They cannot hide from Your judgment. God of heaven and earth, You will hold them accountable either in this life or the next. You’re the only One who can.
Prayer for me
Lord, I pray Your promise of vengeance will drive away the anger and hopelessness I experience when I am bombarded with news of evil deeds. I allow the blatant wickedness to zap the joy of being Your child from my heart. Evil will not endure! You are more powerful than all of the forces of hatred and violence, and You will avenge in Your time. Remind me of this, Lord, each time I lose sight of this truth.
Forgive me
Lord, at times I have a vengeful heart. I desire swift justice for those who suffer at the hands of evildoers. And when the innocents are avenged, I smile. I gloat. Ha! Evil has taken a blow! Forgive me when I allow my heart to be filled with vengeance, leaving no room for mercy at all.
Prayer for others
Lord, You know of the father who recently avenged the rape of his daughter. You watched as he tied the rapist to a tree and cut off his hands, leaving him to die. You have witnessed even worse acts of vengeance since You created man. Repaying evil for evil leaves a mark on the guilty and the innocent. Lives are forever ruined. So, I pray for those who have taken on the job of vengeance, refusing to allow You to do what You have promised. Purify their hearts against the hate and spite that accompanies revenge.
Thanksgiving
Thank You for taking on the responsibility of vengeance for all of us who have ever lived and will ever live. You who are perfectly just will perfectly avenge.
More praise
So many evil men and women have walked this earth. Many of them were rulers of others, inflicting their subjects with unspeakable horrors. Some chapters of our history read like the script of a depraved horror movie. But You’ve been paying attention all along. You know the score. There is a reckoning coming led by the One who has heard the cry of every afflicted man, woman, and child. You love us enough to see each act of wickedness avenged. I praise You for acting as Judge over Your creation – Your heritage.
