Deuteronomy 32:34–38

[34] “‘Is not this laid up in store with me, sealed up in my treasuries? [35] Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’ [36] For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone and there is none remaining, bond or free. [37] Then he will say, ‘Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge, [38] who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you; let them be your protection! (ESV)

Romans 12:14–21

[14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (ESV)

Lord, every day I pick up my cross and deny myself the desire to avenge myself. Yet my patience and longing for your justice has wearied me so–I am disillusioned with the scoffing and mocking of practitioners of rampant lawlessness.

Too long has this society degraded and allowed people to menacingly tear each other down and abuse each other, without any repercussion or accountability for their choices.

You whom made the eyes, I know you see; you whom made the ears–I know you hear the words of the despicable!

My Father in heaven, how much more do I have to endure this pain and turn away from the desire to quench my thirst for vengeance!

For my heart and spirit burn with a rage that desires to swiftly execute justice; may their jaws be broken in half, and their teeth knocked on the floor! You are He who made me–you know that I hate what you hate and I despise the pride of the evil!

Every day everyone chooses to do what is right in their eyes, for our government has deserted us; we are but sheep to be slaughtered by the wolves. Hear me Father, when I say my temper ignites at the sight of injustice, and to see the poor exploited by the powerful–let the end of the wicked fall upon themselves. May mercy be out of reach at their cry for help, for You are not mocked–a person shall reap what they sow.

But until your return my Lord, let your loving-kindness and mercy fall upon me for I have kept Your Word in my heart. May your Holy Spirit remind me of You who are the ultimate judge, the One in the highest of heavens, that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord.

Let my worship in spirit and truth be pleasing in your sight, that choosing the Word of Christ over swift violence bless me in the land to come. May Your Word dwell in my heart, and You be a shield and refuge for me at the evil of lawless ones!

So until then, my choice is to practice meekness; may I bless my enemies when they curse me–may prayer from my heart for their well being be my replacement desire–as your Son has demonstrated.

Amen.