A Prayer for the Justice of God (Psalm 33–35)

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Praise can lift the heart, but what do we do when hurt and injustice won’t let go? We walk through Psalms 33–35 and trace a real spiritual journey: joyful worship grounded in God’s creative power, a testimony of rescue and God’s nearness to the brokenhearted, and a raw, honest plea for justice when enemies strike without cause. Along the way, we talk about the tension many feel—how to love enemies without denying the reality of evil—and why biblical love includes a holy hatred of sin.

Stephen Davey helps unpack key context behind imprecatory psalms, connecting David’s prayers to the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants and the Old Testament’s eye for an eye standard. That backdrop clarifies why David asks God to contend with his adversaries: he is appealing to the Judge, not taking vengeance into his own hands. We then bridge to the New Testament where God is storing up wrath for a final day and where the cross reveals how perfect justice and steadfast love meet. Because Jesus bore wrath for repentant sinners, we can extend mercy, pray for repentance, and still long for God to make wrongs right.

Expect a thoughtful, practical conversation that moves from the lyre-led praise of Psalm 33 to the gritty rescue behind Psalm 34 and the fierce honesty of Psalm 35. If you’ve ever been wounded by lies, watched wickedness flourish, or wondered how to pray when outrage swells, you’ll find language for both lament and hope. We close with a simple image: asking the “big brother” of divine justice to ride the bus with you, trusting His timing while you keep your heart clean.

If this helped you think and pray with clarity, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. What line from the Psalms is shaping your prayers today?

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Stephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now.

https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback