Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalm 94:1-7
Psalm 94:1-7
1 O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. 2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. 3 How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant? 4 They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. 5 They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance. 6 They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless. 7 They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”
As we begin this Psalm we are reminded of how God’s prophets of old were put to death and tortured while the people laughed and jeered. We are reminded of the times we have read of the cheering crowds that filled the coliseums to watch the wild animals maul and devour many early Christians. We see in our minds the religious leaders of the Jews as they mocked and laughed while Jesus hung on the cross dying for their sins and ours.
Many, even in the name of religion, turn their backs on God and refuse to admit that he is in charge of all that takes place. They mistreat those who live in faith and make life hard for those who refuse to deny their faith in God. They act wickedly and see no immediate results or retribution so they assume they are actually getting by without anyone taking notice. From this many have concluded that there must not be a God who sees or cares about the afflicted.
During the days of Elijah and the wicked king Ahab (and his even more wicked wife, Jezebel) it seemed if Satan was winning the battle with God. In fact, after a short victory at Mount Carmel, Elijah complained to God that he was the only one left who had not bowed the knee to Baal. But things were not as they seemed to Elijah. God had noticed what was taking place and he was still in control.
Because his timing and his ways are not the same as ours, we may mistakenly think he doesn’t see our plight. The worst thing Satan can throw at us is death but God has already won the victory over death by the resurrection of Jesus. In fact, as we grow in our faith we begin to realize that death is a blessing for those who are in the Lord. It is the transition from this land of suffering to eternal bliss.
O God, my heavenly Father, open my eyes to see the beauty of heaven as it is filled with your glory and majesty. Help me keep focused on the things above where Christ is seated at your right hand. I thank you for your continued care and watch over me in this life. Thank you for the many material things you have given me to enjoy and I ask you to help me use these to your glory. Give me wisdom to teach and encourage those who are struggling to live for you. Thank you for my family and many friends who encourage me. I pray in the name of Jesus.
--Robert
