Ps. 93-95
One thing that stands out to me in this group of Psalms is Ps 94:12-13. “Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.” What strikes me about this verse is that, in the midst of asking how long the wicked will exult, the Psalmist says that those who the LORD disciplines are the ones who are blessed. To be “blessed” means to be favored or fortunate, and indicates happiness and well-being. Fortunate? Happy? How does this apply to those who are being disciplined, especially when the wicked seem to be getting whatever they want? And the Psalmist goes on to say that God’s discipline “gives rest from days of trouble.” Rest?!? Really??
Yes, really. This is the dichotomy of God. As the Psalmist also notes, a pit is being dug for the wicked. Their path may look profitable now, but it ultimately leads to utter destruction. And God leaves them to their wicked ways. In contrast, God disciplines those He loves to keep them on the path that leads to life. So when we are disciplined by God, it is an affirmation of His love for us, which assures us of our eternal future – a future of hope and light and life. If the knowledge that God’s loving hand is guiding us toward all that is good doesn’t give us “rest from days of trouble”, then I don’t know what does.
Phil. 4
What great exhortations Paul gives in Philippians 4:4-9! Rejoice, and don’t be anxious (the two don’t blend very well). The Lord is at hand, so turn to Him! Come to God with thanksgiving and be gracious to others. Think about and dwell on all that is good. The result? “Practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:9b). And note that is it God’s peace that will “guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” And there’s the circle – God’s peace helps us to practice these things, which brings us God’s peace. The one feeds the other and so we grow in Christ.