How can we apply the call for God's "anger" against evil today? Setting the Scene Psalm 7:6 reads: “Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies; awake, my God, and ordain judgment.” Here David openly invites God to unleash holy anger on evil. Far from being an outburst of personal vengeance, it is a faith-filled plea for the Lord to act in perfect justice. Understanding God’s Anger • God’s anger is always righteous, never impulsive (Nahum 1:2–3). • It flows from His holiness—He cannot overlook sin (Habakkuk 1:13). • His wrath already stands revealed against all ungodliness (Romans 1:18). • At the cross, Christ satisfied that wrath for believers (Romans 3:24-26). Why We May Call for It • Scripture invites us to appeal to God as Judge (Psalm 94:1-2). • Vengeance belongs to Him, not us (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). • Trusting Him to act curbs personal retaliation and frees us to pursue love. Putting the Psalm into Practice Today Stand Against Evil • Hate what is evil; cling to what is good (Romans 12:9; Psalm 97:10). • Speak truth graciously when sin is celebrated (Ephesians 4:15). • Defend the vulnerable—unborn, oppressed, trafficked—in tangible ways (Proverbs 24:11-12). Pray Imprecatory Prayers Wisely • Express grief over wickedness and ask God to halt it. • Submit outcomes to His timing and methods. • Combine petitions for justice with pleas for the wicked to repent (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). Guard Your Own Heart • Let anger be slow and controlled (James 1:19-20). • Examine motives—are you seeking God’s honor or personal payback? • Remember that apart from grace we too deserved wrath (Ephesians 2:3-5). Live as a Witness • Show that Christ alone rescues from coming judgment (John 3:36). • Offer the gospel urgently, knowing God’s patience has limits. • Model forgiveness even while asking God to judge evil actions (Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60). Hope in the Final Verdict • A day is fixed when God will judge the world in righteousness through Jesus (Acts 17:31). • Until then, rest: “The Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9). • Confidence in that certainty fuels perseverance and holy living (2 Peter 3:11-14). |
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