Today’s scripture: Psalm 10 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Angie Eden):
Are people born wicked? It’s an ageless question and actually led to a record-setting musical. For generations, the Wicked Witch of Oz terrorized Dorothy and the countless youngsters watching her iconic movie. And then, someone, somewhere, stopped to wonder, “Why was the witch wicked?” That simple inquiry gave birth to the backstory of what happened in the Land of Oz way before there ever was Toto and a tornado.
A clever writer created a tale of a little girl born green due to her mother’s indiscretion. A little girl endures taunts and teases and her father’s rejection. As a young woman, every good deed she tries to do is cursed and turns out hurting others. Alas, the little green girl, all grown up, gives up and becomes the wicked witch everyone had already thought her to be.
The subtitle to today’s chapter of Psalm, at least in the NRSV, is “Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies.” Eighteen verses summarize this writer’s anger and indignation at what the “wicked” get away with. Finally, there is a plea to God to strike down such evil-doers and protect the “orphan and oppressed.” This highlights an interesting choice of words.
In my work as a psychologist, my beliefs over time fall in line with the writer of the musical “Wicked.” I believe people are not born evil but that they are crushed and contorted by society to act out in evil ways. Those orphans and oppressed grow up to be the very “wicked” ones the writer rants against. As Christians, we fail little green girls each and every day by dismissing or ignoring their plight. We fail society by not demanding food and warmth and dignity and love for all. We are quick to condemn the wicked but are reluctant to save the weak. We create a cycle that never ends.
Thought for the day: Take this chapter and use it as a “prayer for the deliverance OF enemies.” Look for ways to ease a young person’s pain and suffering, even in just the smallest way. Hurt people grow up to hurt people. God’s answer to the psalmist’s prayer is us.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.