Thoughts on Psalm 146

In "Disciple IV," we have a Psalm that we spend the entire week of study with. This week, it is Psalm 146.

"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! ...(God) executes justice for the oppressed; (God) gives food for the hungry... The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow... The LORD will reign forever... Praise the LORD!"

It's hard NOT to read this week's material on Ruth, and this Psalm, in light of the events in the storm-stricken areas and in light of what's happening here in Houston. Reading these same passages at other times in life, I get different thoughts. But I guess that's part of the beauty of reading Scripture -- it seems to speak into all of life.

I was really troubled the other day to hear of a very serious fight that broke out between New Orleans high school students and local students at an HISD school. Apparently, the fight was bad enough to put 3 in the hospital. I have no clue what it was about. Some sort of gang turf thing? Simple teenage rivalry? Who knows!

As I read this Psalm, I hear that God works to lift up those who are bowed down. God watches over the stranger. But the way of the wicked, God will bring to ruin. What a contrast to that news story. I am dismayed when I hear stories like that. How does God react?