April 30, 2011

Psalm 94 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 9:30-37, 1 Corinthians 16, Ruth 4

Journal Entry

Scripture

18 When I thought, "My foot slips," your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.
19 When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Observation

This psalm describes the heart of the righteous as they see injustice being committed. The psalmist cries out for vengeance of the Lord. The psalmist is troubled by the injustice and evildoers who seem to prosper and who do not pay for their unrighteousness and even scoff at God. The psalmist reminds us that God is sovereign and justice will come. He then reflects on his troubles as the righteous upholds justice and confronts the evildoers. He admits the difficulties of clinging to God in midst of evil. Perhaps within his own heart, he is troubled by sinful nature. Yet, God's steadfast love and His consolations held him up. He can declare that God is his refuge and the wicked will wiped out.

Application

Sometimes it is difficult to do what is right. We, too, are often surrounded by people who ignore God and His righteousness. People who cheat others and seem to prosper. Terrible or subtle injustices eat away at our peace. This conflict is sometime internal. We struggle with our sinful nature that rise up against us. We too are tempted to ask "does God really see if I do bad?" We do and will face this conflict because we live in a fallen world. But our great relief is that God is faithful. Despite our weakness or struggles, God is faithful to us. His steadfast love's ultimate expression was in Jesus' death and resurrection for us. When we face these struggles, we know He is there. When we look back, we can see his hand holding us up. There is no greater help and no greater comfort than God. The Lord of the Universe is on our side!

Prayer

Dear Lord, we thank you for your steadfast love. Your unconditional and endless love is our great comfort and our strength. We admit our struggles and sins in our lives. We cling to your mercy for forgiveness. We find peace and joy only in you. Help us to depend on you for strength and comfort. We know that your love and strength will not fail.

--J. Lim