Finding Future Comfort in God's Promises

 

Summary

In our exploration of Book Four of the Psalter, we delve into the theme of seeking comfort amidst crisis. Traditionally, this comfort is found by reflecting on God's past faithfulness in creation and His covenant with Moses. However, Psalm 94 offers a unique perspective by encouraging us to find solace in the future, in what God will do. This forward-looking approach resonates with our often future-oriented mindset, urging us to derive hope from God's forthcoming actions.

Psalm 94 centers on the blessedness of the man disciplined by God, echoing the opening of the Psalter in Psalm 1. This blessedness is not merely a spiritual state but also an emotional one, emphasizing happiness in the Lord despite present troubles. The psalm begins with a call for God's judgment, recognizing Him as the God of vengeance. This is a prayer for God to rectify the injustices faced by the godly due to the triumph of the wicked. It challenges the modern discomfort with divine judgment, reminding us that God is both merciful and just.

The psalmist urges us to understand the importance of wisdom and teachableness, highlighting that true happiness comes from knowing God and His ways. The wicked, in their arrogance, believe God does not see or know their actions, but the psalm assures us that God is aware and will act in His time. This understanding brings comfort and rest to the godly, knowing that God will not forsake His people.

The psalm concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's help and protection. In times of crisis, when our hearts are burdened, God's consolations cheer our souls. The Lord is our stronghold and refuge, a promise that offers profound comfort and assurance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Future-Oriented Comfort: Psalm 94 encourages us to find comfort not in the past but in the future, in what God will do. This perspective aligns with our natural inclination to look forward, reminding us that God's future actions are a source of hope and assurance. [01:34]

2. Blessedness and Happiness: The psalm highlights that true blessedness is both a spiritual and emotional state. It is about being happy in the Lord, even amidst crisis, knowing that we are loved and disciplined by God. This happiness is rooted in understanding and embracing God's ways. [04:48]

3. Divine Judgment and Justice: The call for God's judgment in Psalm 94 challenges our discomfort with divine justice. It reminds us that God is both merciful and just, and His judgment is necessary to set things right. This understanding is crucial for a balanced view of God's character. [07:45]

4. Wisdom and Teachableness: True happiness and understanding come from being teachable and wise. The psalm emphasizes the importance of learning from God's law and recognizing the folly of the wicked, who are lawless and clueless. This wisdom leads to a deeper appreciation of God's ways. [11:30]

5. God as Our Stronghold: In times of crisis, God's help and protection are our refuge. The psalm assures us that God will not forsake His people, and His consolations bring comfort to our souls. This promise of divine protection is a source of profound peace and assurance. [24:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Seeking Comfort in Crisis
- [01:00] - Psalm 94's Unique Perspective
- [02:03] - The Blessed Man
- [03:32] - How to Be Happy
- [04:23] - Understanding Blessedness
- [05:27] - God of Vengeance
- [06:51] - Judgment and Justice
- [09:04] - The Day of Salvation
- [11:05] - The Importance of Understanding
- [12:03] - Moral Outrage and Indifference
- [14:23] - Outrage on God's Behalf
- [16:33] - The Folly of the Wicked
- [18:36] - Embracing God's Discipline
- [21:24] - God's Help and Protection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 94

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 94
- Psalm 1
- Luke 13:23-25

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the central theme of Psalm 94, and how does it differ from the traditional themes found in Book Four of the Psalter? [01:34]

2. How does the psalmist describe the blessedness of the man disciplined by God in Psalm 94:12, and how does this relate to Psalm 1? [02:03]

3. What is the significance of God being referred to as the "God of vengeance" in Psalm 94, and how does this reflect the psalmist's view of divine justice? [05:27]

4. How does the psalmist describe the actions and attitudes of the wicked in Psalm 94, and what is their ultimate fate according to the psalm? [06:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the forward-looking perspective of Psalm 94 provide comfort to believers, especially in times of crisis? [01:34]

2. In what ways does the psalmist's call for divine judgment challenge modern discomfort with the concept of God's justice? [07:45]

3. How does the psalmist's emphasis on wisdom and teachableness in Psalm 94:8-12 contribute to the understanding of true happiness and blessedness? [11:30]

4. What role does God's help and protection play in the life of a believer, according to Psalm 94, and how does this assurance impact their response to crises? [24:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current crisis or challenge in your life. How can the forward-looking comfort described in Psalm 94 help you find hope and assurance in God's future actions? [01:34]

2. Consider your own views on divine judgment. How does Psalm 94 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and mercy? [07:45]

3. In what areas of your life do you struggle with being teachable? How can you cultivate a spirit of wisdom and openness to God's discipline and instruction? [19:45]

4. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by the actions of the wicked or the injustices in the world. How can the psalmist's assurance of God's ultimate justice and protection bring you peace? [24:25]

5. Identify a specific way you can rely on God as your stronghold and refuge in the coming week. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His presence and protection? [24:25]

6. How can you balance moral outrage with compassion and love in your interactions with others, especially when confronted with injustice or wrongdoing? [14:47]

7. Reflect on a situation where you felt your "foot slipping" due to life's cares. How can you seek God's consolations to cheer your soul in similar situations in the future? [23:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Future Hope in God's Promises
In times of crisis, Psalm 94 encourages us to shift our focus from past experiences to the future promises of God. This forward-looking perspective aligns with our natural inclination to anticipate what is to come, offering a source of hope and assurance. By trusting in God's future actions, we can find comfort and strength, knowing that He is actively working for our good and His glory. This approach challenges us to embrace a mindset of hope, rooted in the certainty of God's promises and His unwavering faithfulness. [01:34]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific future promise of God can you hold onto today to bring you comfort and hope in your current situation?


Day 2: Joy in Divine Discipline
Psalm 94 highlights the blessedness of the person disciplined by God, emphasizing that true happiness is found in the Lord, even amidst trials. This blessedness is both a spiritual and emotional state, rooted in the understanding that God's discipline is an expression of His love and care. By embracing God's ways and learning from His discipline, we can experience a deep sense of joy and contentment, knowing that we are being shaped and refined for His purposes. This perspective invites us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. [04:48]

"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace God's discipline in your life today as a sign of His love and care for you?


Day 3: Embracing Divine Justice
The call for God's judgment in Psalm 94 challenges our discomfort with divine justice, reminding us that God is both merciful and just. His judgment is necessary to set things right and to address the injustices faced by the godly. This understanding is crucial for a balanced view of God's character, recognizing that His justice is an integral part of His love and mercy. By trusting in God's righteous judgment, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate His people and restore justice. [07:45]

"For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off." (Psalm 37:28, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you trust God's justice in a situation where you feel wronged or oppressed today?


Day 4: The Wisdom of Teachableness
True happiness and understanding come from being teachable and wise, as emphasized in Psalm 94. The psalmist highlights the importance of learning from God's law and recognizing the folly of the wicked, who are lawless and clueless. By cultivating a heart that is open to instruction and wisdom, we can deepen our appreciation of God's ways and experience the fullness of life that He intends for us. This wisdom leads to a life marked by peace, joy, and a deeper relationship with God. [11:30]

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 9:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can seek God's wisdom and be more teachable today?


Day 5: God as Our Refuge
In times of crisis, Psalm 94 assures us that God's help and protection are our refuge. The psalmist affirms that God will not forsake His people, and His consolations bring comfort to our souls. This promise of divine protection offers profound peace and assurance, reminding us that God is our stronghold and refuge. By resting in His presence and trusting in His care, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that we are secure in His hands. [24:25]

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him." (Nahum 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively seek refuge in God today, trusting in His protection and care amidst your current challenges?

Quotes


And here in Psalm 94, once again we see the importance of the center of the psalm. The center of this psalm is verse 12, "Blessed is the man whom You discipline, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law." Blessed is the man. Does that sound familiar? Several times in the Psalter, we have statements about the blessed man, and of course the most notable one is the very first psalm, the opening words of the Psalter, "Blessed is the man." [00:02:03]

And in the midst of this crisis, this psalm is thinking about what it means to be a happy person in the Lord. 'Blessed' sounds more spiritual, but 'happy' captures part of the word. It's not just a radically spiritual state, it is an emotional state as well, and it's encouraging us in the face of difficulties still to know that we are a blessed and happy people in the Lord. [00:04:48]

This is a call for judgment, and in our world sometimes we're very distressed to think of God in judgment. But the Psalmist is not distressed. He thinks it is right that God should come and set things right. And part of what setting things right is, is judging the wicked because the crisis has come upon the godly by the triumph of the wicked. [00:07:45]

And so, he knows God is already a God of righteousness, but his prayer is that God will shine forth in who He is. He's not seeing God's judgment. He's not seeing God's righteousness manifested, and he wants to see it. He wants to have it manifested. And that's the prayer that he prays here, "Rise up O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve!" [00:08:07]

And so, you know, understanding is -- happiness is not just a kind of mindless experience. But, this psalm says it's a mind-filled experience. If you know what God's doing, if you know who God is, if you know the tragedy of being outside God, then you're going to be happier because you know the way the world works. And that's really what's happening here. [00:11:30]

And the psalm gives voice to a sense of outrage about what's going on. Verse 3, "O Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked exult? They pour out their arrogant words; all the evildoers boast." How long is the world going to go on when the arrogant and the stupid seem to run everything? [00:12:03]

Your outrage has to be an outrage on behalf of God and His holiness and His holy law. And then, there's some legitimacy to it. Even there, we have to be careful. We don't want to go through life as angry people, do we? That distresses me in the world in which we live that a lot of Christians seem angry all the time. [00:14:23]

And so the happy person, the blessed person, is not the one who wanders off into the lawlessness or the cluelessness of the wicked, but instead embraces the discipline of the Lord. That's what this central verse says. Now, what discipline of the Lord is in mind here? Well, of course, it could be any kind of discipline. [00:18:36]

And here, the happy man is the one who is willing to be taught by God out of His law, and that person is given rest. I was intrigued to look that up and see is this Sabbath that's given? No, it's quiet. It's quiet that's given. Sort of as Paul said in 1 Timothy, you know, "May we live in quiet and peaceable days." [00:19:55]

Verse 14, "For the Lord will not forsake His people; He will not abandon His heritage." They may try to afflict the heritage of God, but God will not abandon His heritage. He will not forsake them. And that doesn't just mean that He won't forget them, but down to verse 16, "Who rises up for me against the wicked? [00:21:24]

And then this wonderful verse 19, "When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations, Your comforts cheer my soul." Now, there's a verse worth memorizing. We haven't talked much about memorizing and I'm -- for as good a memory as I have, I have real trouble memorizing things word perfect. [00:22:55]

In this world where the wicked seem so powerful, the psalmist, as the happy man, is able to say, verse 22, "But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge." Now, those phrases are to be found over and over again in the Psalter, that God is our stronghold, that God is our refuge. [00:24:25]

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