The Christian has heaven’s security policy signed by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is sealed by his Spirit as a guarantee to all who place their faith in him for salvation. To be clear, this plan does not have a “hardship avoidance” clause in it for Jesus taught (Jn 16:33), “…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Paul harmonizes with this truth when he says (2 Tim 3:12), “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Psalm 92 is a hymn of worship that exalts the great works of God for His people as He protects us from the world of the wicked. Thanksgiving is given to God for his steadfast love and faithfulness in delivering his people out of troubles. Our focus text highlights the preserving power of God over the righteous in light of a promise to bring the earthly prosperity of the wicked to nothing. The Psalmist offers two encouragements to strengthen us in our living for God in godless world:
- The glory of the wicked is like the grass of the field. The power and position they exert fades. It is for a moment in the eyes of God. Though it seems like they have unsurmountable strength, their evil prevails, and the righteous cannot stand against them, their prosperity is short-lived (cf., 1 Pt 1:24-25). When we bear suffering from their hands patiently, God has promised to come put them to end. Their fall will come suddenly by the hands of God like a thief in the night.
- The righteous will flourish like a deeply rooted tree. In the midst of storms of life brought about by the wicked, only the righteous will survive and shine forth. Think of a tree that weathers a hurricane. Though it loses leaves, branches, and limbs, the tree survives the turbulence of such weather event. How? It has deep roots. Therefore, when the storm passes, it can (and will) regrow and produces its fruit.
Likewise, the Psalmist sing, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” What is the image here? These trees are a picture of fruitfulness and vitality. How is this sustainment possible? The Psalmist continue, “They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.” In others words, the life of Christian in the midst of hard times is the hands of our good God. Jesus is the root of our lives, by which we are the branches. It is tree that the Father in heaven keeps (cf., Jn 15).
When living for God becomes difficult (and it will), continue to trust in Him. Depart from human wisdom that entices us to go our own way, for it is like fragile grass that offers no lasting hope. The sources of our vitality in Kingdom living is in God. This truth should strength our faith, refresh our peace, and set aflame our joy in God. Let us join the choir of Psalmist as they end their hymn of worship (v15), “…declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Hallelujah!!! Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com