Devotion: Psalm 75:2

Psalm 75:2 You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. 

This psalm was written to be sung by Asaph’s choir and was used in times of threat or as celebration for deliverance. It begins with a declaration of praise and then follows today’s verse.

In this verse, we have God speaking to us directly. We see Him stating that He chooses the time. But what is He referring to when He says “the appointed time?” In this instance, we turn to the context to help guide our interpretation and determine what is being said. The sentence continues after the semicolon – it is He Who judges. So we see that it is God Who determines the appropriate time for judgement.

The appointed time that God speaks of is not to be interpreted literally as per our calendars (the Hebrew word chronos is used to refer to our earthly, measurable calendars). Instead, He speaks of a divine timing (the word kairos, something we cannot measure because only He knows that time). We must remember that justice from the Lord will most likely not come when we want it to but it will come in His divine timing. We see the Hebrew word shaphat used, which means to govern, vindicate, punish, or decide a case. It is the root word for “I will judge.” He says “I WILL,” a promise that He will step in and do something. He WILL do it. He WILL judge. He WILL serve justice where needed.

We can rest in the assurance that we have a Father Who loves us and wants to provide for us, which includes justice. No matter what is going on in the world, no matter how many struggles we face in our life, and no matter how arrogant and self-centered we may be at the time, God will step in and execute a fair and righteous judgement in His timing. This is guaranteed and something we shouldn’t worry about.

Until that time, we should be living a life that is righteous. Confess your sins, repent of them and change your ways. And trust that He will step in and render justice where due, in HIS timing, not our own.

Prayer: Lord, Help me to be patient when waiting for Your justice. I understand that You work on Your schedule, not mine, and that I must wait on Your divine timing. Amen 

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