Comfort in God's Justice

Scripture:
Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you.
Let the wicked be disgraced;
let them be quiet in Sheol.
Let lying lips
that arrogantly speak against the righteous
in proud contempt be silenced.

Psalm 31:17-18

Observation: As the psalmist discusses the attacks that come from his enemies, he calls on the Lord for ... retribution against these enemies. He wishes that they will be disgraced. He points out that their attacks are not just lies, but are arrogant lies spoken against the Lord himself, and therefore explicitly wishes they will be silenced by being sent to hell.

Application: Yes, we are to forgive those who wrong us. However, there is a significant gap between ME forgiving someone and letting go of such wrongs, and God deciding not to judge them for acts for which they do not seek forgiveness. Especially in situations where such individuals - in their arrogance and pride and contempt, which certainly also means out of a total lack of fear in the Lord - speak out against the Lord's righteous and thus the prescribed way of living ... anticipating eternal punishment of such individuals is normal.

I take comfort in this.

Prayer: Lord, you are wise and merciful and loving and just. I know that all four of these attributes are true of you, and I take comfort in all of them. Thank you for revealing and explaining yourself to us in ways that comfort and heal us. Amen.