Reading: Psalm 94-96

QUESTIONS
  • God is called a God of vengeance in this Psalm. Many times we believe that we know best. We want revenge on someone for a perceived slight against us. How good it is to know that God is a God of justice and mercy. He will give to all – us and “them” what we deserve. If you’ve been thinking about getting revenge, instead take it to the Lord. Leave it in His ever-capable hands, knowing He will do the right thing at the right time.
  • Psalm 95: This psalm encourages us to, “make a joyful noise unto the Lord!” How can you do that today? Set reminders on your phone if you need to help remember!
  • Psalm 96: Today we get to sing for joy, like the trees of the forest. We are spurred on to sing a new song. Here are a few suggestions: 1) go on Spotify or Apple music and find a new praise song and listen to it several times until you are praising God with it; 2) find an old cd/record/tape and play some “old” song. Many times those old songs become new again with reuse! 3) Ask a friend what he/she is listening to right now, as far as praise music goes and then try listening to their suggestion.
DEVOTION

Psalm 94 begins “O God of vengeance, let Your glorious justice shine forth Arise oh judge of the earth. Give the proud what they deserve. How long oh Lord? How long will the wicked be allowed to gloat?”

I am sure many of us have cried out to the Lord with similar questions. Listening to the news, seeing and hearing of all the evil going on in the world can bring us to feelings of hopelessness, anger or just as the psalmist asks we ask God to bring His justice.

I know that most of the time when I feel this way, the Spirit reminds me that I too am a sinner and am depending on God’s mercy and the work of Christ to save me, which not only will bring me to repentance but makes it easier for me to pray for those who are committing the type of injustices that the psalmist speaks of. Yet I still may be frustrated by the apparent success of those who are committing evil acts.

One of the things that often turns me from that frustration is God’s creation. Just recently I was watching the birds, bunnies, chipmunks, who are creating an abundance of holes in our yard, and the beautiful flowers and trees which led me to thinking of the unbelievable intricacies inside of these creations. The amazing creations bring one to be filled with awe at the Creator. Job 12:7-10 speaks of the birds, beast, fish and trees educating us. They do educate us about our God who is so far above anything we can think or do.

The intricacies of the leaves and the cells inside those leaves work amazing processes which give the plants life. The human body and the processes inside are so complicated and amazing it can only fill us with awe for our Creator. How could we not praise Him and worship Him who could bring the whole universe and everything living thing into being with his voice. The creation is like a textbook that does educate us about some of the amazing abilities of our God. Colossians says “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” Praise be to God!  

– Nancy Van Sickel