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Psalm 58:1-8  
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies. Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be. Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short. May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun.

Have you ever been to the Mathare slums in Nairobi, Kenya? Raw sewage flows down the streets. Injustice prevails. Have you ever been to the state-run orphanages in Central America? When the 18-year-olds “age out,” 70% are in prison, on drugs, or involved in prostitution within a year. Injustice prevails. Take a walk through the leper colonies in India. The outcasts are sitting on the ground, their stumps wrapped with dirty cloth, and thick swarms of flies buzz around their heads. Injustice prevails.

David was sick and tired of rulers who created and allowed injustice. He was fed up with those who “mete out violence.” He likened these evil authorities to the venom of a snake. He said they were like a “cobra that has stopped its ears.” They ignore the “tune of the charmer.” David’s passion for justice called on God to silence the unjust. He prayed that they “vanish like water that flows away” and melt like slugs. 

What are you passionate about? How do you process injustice? It should begin with a twofold prayer. First, pray for God to transform the hearts of the unjust rulers through the work of Jesus. What a tremendous testimony could be told if unjust rulers changed their ways. Second, pray that God takes the unjust ruler from their seat of authority. Ask God to replace the person with someone who rules with equity. 

Father, forgive me for complaining more than praying. I pray for just rulers in our country and around the world. Give us lawmakers and judges who will rule with equity and fairness. Raise up men and women to lead countries and serve in governments. Work in the lives of those in authority. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.