Psalm 94: Things set right...

The weekend Psalm for:

February 20-21, 2010

Read Psalm 94 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

It's standard fair in movies, TV, and books. The bad guy has been causing trouble, in comes the good guy to dish out a hungry-man-sized serving of vengeance. Crowds cheer. Roll credits. 

This Psalm shows that deep down desire we have for justice. When we see people oppressed--we want vengeance on the oppressors. Think about it: Why has this been an over-arching theme in our media and entertainment. It seems to me that the Psalms resonate with our need to see things set right, and this is particularly true of this Psalm. 

I've heard people complain that the Psalms are full of vengeance and violence. Really. So is most prime-time television, and I don't hear anyone whining about that. Yes, there is violence and vengeance here, but that's not what this Psalm is about. It's about the old phrase; "Whose side are you on?"

We want some one to stand up for us when we have been wronged. We want someone to swoop in and save the weak. In this Psalm, God's people have the promise that he will stand up for them, and he misses nothing. I love the image in the middle (beginning at vs 8). The one who planted your ears certainly can hear. The one who formed your eyes can certainly see. Don't be deceived--God is not missing anything: Not the big picture; not the small picture. 

This is a Psalm of promise. The assurance that someday, in God's time and in God's perfect understanding, things will be set right. Like last week's Psalm, it demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done.  

Meditation 

This Psalm is a promise of justice. The problem is, I am often unjust. Often, I have to wrestle with my own heart to keep from taking advantage of others. There are areas of my life--areas that God wants to work on--wherein I am the oppressor. Deep down, I know that the judgement falls on my own head. 

In the midst of the talk about vengeance, this Psalm talks about God's discipline. God corrects my ways, to save me from the justice that will come to us all. There is an equation here: Ignore discipline and you will Face judgement. 

This weekend, pay attention to what God is up to around you, and look for areas where he is trying to correct your path and mete out discipline. Better to take his discipline than face his wrath. Remember this: "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul" (vs 19). 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ examine assess their own life. Are they among the proud and arrogant who take advantage of those who are weak? Give them the grace and the understanding to repent and turn from their ways and to you.
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, may _____ know the comfort of your discipline, the protection of your vengeance, and the consolation of your steadfast love.  
• Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation. 

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 11:28. Some people just don't get it...
  Father God, your word tells us that some people harden their hearts so much that they end up being unable to hear your word or see your activities. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
• Hebrews 12:6-7. Whose kid are you, anyway?...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ understand and recognize the Father's discipline, and learn from it. Remind them that you only discipline your children.
• 1 Corinthians 15:27-28. All things under the sovereignty of Christ...
  Almighty God, may ______ put his life under subjection to Christ now, and willingly. May they know your disicpline, and by that, avoid your wrath. May they know you as their all in all. 

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)