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Psalm 93 reminds me of a recent “Twilight Zone” marathon. Those shows, made in the 1960’s, had a recurring theme of the exaggerated self-importance of mankind. Often, life as they knew it, changed, because of man’s arrogance. Even today, it seems that every disaster is used to prove man has irreversibly damaged the earth. Every decade has a new man-made menace to those that ignore God. From wars, to the A-bomb, to the population explosion, to global cooling/ warming, to oil spills, to rainforests, to carbon, all are used to draw attention away from our changeless God. While I believe we have a God-given responsibility to “tend the garden“, I am reminded that only those that discount God and the incredible balance in His creation, can believe we have that much power. God gave Adam dominion, but not control. The short psalm begins, “The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty“. We are not co-gods. He adds, “The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved“. He says of God, “You are from all eternity“. The Bible teaches that all of creation praises God, “the seas have lifted up their voice… mightier than the breakers of the sea the Lord on high is mighty“. Yet we, in our sophistication, praise ourselves. The psalm ends with a statement that should challenge our perspective and bring clarity to our uncertain forecast, “Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns Your house for endless days, O Lord“. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Are you ready to trust God’s eternal promises for you?
Psalm 94 continues the message that God not only created the world, but He will ultimately judge it Himself, in His time. He has perfect knowledge and perfect understanding. The writer calls out to “the God who avenges” and he adds, “Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back“. He asks a question many have asked through history, “How long will the wicked be jubilant?“. We get frustrated when we see evil prosper. “They pour out arrogant words… full of boasting… crush Your people… slay the widow… they murder the fatherless“. He adds that they think they are getting one past God, “The Lord does not see“. The writer scolds those that live as if there is no God, “fools, when will you become wise?“. I have noticed that people who have battled addiction and its consequences are the most passionate about warning others. Ex-smokers are quick to call those who try cigarettes “fools” because they personally see the aftereffects. This warning is born of compassion.
For the rest of the psalm, he provides the data. He asks a series of questions to show how we underestimate God. “Does He who implanted the ear not hear? …formed the eye not see? Does He who teaches man lack knowledge?“. He says, “The Lord knows the thoughts of man… they are futile“. But be encouraged, “Blessed is the man You discipline… You teach… You grant him relief from days of trouble“. You see, God does not give up on us! “For the Lord will not reject His people“. Some of us have to come to a place of desperation before we can trust that God’s judgment is “founded on righteousness“. He says, “My foot is slipping” but it was then he discovered, “Your love, O Lord, supported me“. Trust can be very difficult for those who have been hurt. He shares his spiritual evolution with us, “anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul… the Lord has become my fortress… in whom I take refuge“. He leaves us with a choice; to follow “a corrupt throne… that brings on misery by its decrees“, or to trust in God’s perfecting love. In the end, judgment will come at the hand of the Creator. “He will repay them for their sins… the Lord our God will destroy them“. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The only question to ask is will you yield to His control?