This Week in the Psalms #4 (82-105)

Many of the Psalms this week highlight the truth, that though humans have messed up this earth with their sin, violence, greed and oppression; its beauty, order and variety still reflect and give testimony to his greatness and glory. They reflect on the seeming disparity between the promises of God and the experience of suffering we have now as the people of God. But these Psalms assure us that God rules now and will complete the return of his righteous kingdom to earth. We wait for his kingdom now by faithfully serving the Messiah (King Jesus) and bringing a “preview” of his kingdom, by our actions, to the world in the power of His Spirit.

God, you have set things things right in heaven, but right now, your people on earth suffer from oppression. Come take charge and set things right for the poor and powerless and judge their oppressors. Psalm 82

As God has taken care of the enemies and oppressors of his people in the past, he will do it again. He is, and will be, Most High over all the earth. Psalm 83

The greatest possible blessing is the presence of, and relationship with, God. Everything else flows from that. Psalm 84

Ultimately good will come and will triumph because God is good. Someday all creation will reflect his character.  Psalm 85

We can be confident that God will rule and set things right. But we can also be confident that God is faithfully working in our lives right now in this broken world. Psalm 86

God's people, gathered from all over the world into one, are an eternal people. Psalm 87

In our hardest,darkest and loneliest times we can cry out to God and He hears us. Even when it feels like he doesn't, he does. Psalm 88

God's absolute faithfulness to his covenant and unmatched power that created the universe assure us that his plan to make his Messiah ruler of the world and bless his people will be successful. The sins and shortcomings of God's people cannot prevent this. Even the fact that everyone dies is no obstacle. Psalm 89

Wisdom teaches us that our lives are short, full of difficulty and we don't accomplish what we should. It is relationship with God that gives our lives meaning, beauty and purpose, even beyond this life. Psalm 90

The world is a dangerous place, but the one who trusts the Lord does not need to fear. When God is the focus of life, He is also the protector of life. All his kingdom resources will be applied to assure your salvation and kingdom blessing.  Psalm 91

It is good to take a regular time to focus on God and what he has done for us. It gives us a proper perspective on life and improves our health and well-being. Psalm 92

YHWH rules. He is in control of this chaotic world and we can trust what he says about it. Psalm 93

YHWH is a just God and sees what the wicked and oppressors do. He will judge them according to what they have done and rescue his people, who trust him, from their hands.  Psalm 94

God is ruler and creator of everything. The proper response is worship and submission to his ways. Rebellion brings strife and judgment. Worships puts us in tune with God's plan for the universe.  Psalm 95

Praise and worship God because of his character and actions. Let everyone know he is coming to rule rightly and judge justly.  Psalm 96

Give thanks and praise God because he rules over the spiritual world. His coming to judge this world should make us glad because he protects those who trust him and he brings joy to those who follow his way. Psalm 97

Sing to YHWH with all kinds of music to announce his amazing deeds and rule. Psalm 98

Trust and praise God because he has a track record of holiness, wisdom, forgiveness and deliverance in Israel's history. Psalm 99

Serve God enthusiastically. He made us and will take care of us. His character and promises guarantee it. Psalm 100

Because of God's love and promises I will live a life of integrity, honesty and service. Lord may I love the things you love and hate the things you hate. Psalm 101

Prayer: God, I am suffering, lonely and destitute. My life is short and difficult but you live forever. Make your promised kingdom come quickly. Set things right. I know you hear my prayer and will bless your people forever. Psalm 102

Everyone should praise God because we are his created children. He places us in covenant relationship with him based on his compassionate forgiveness of our sins. He rules and will extend this relationship into eternity. Psalm 103

God's glory is seen in the beauty, variety and order of creation. The world is created and sustained by God in a way that meets the needs of all his creatures. Praise God, enjoy his world and look forward to its renewal that will make this world even better. Psalm 104

Use all the means you have (song, spoken word, prayers, drama etc.) to remember the story of how God has worked in the past. Remember how he has brought you through trouble, given you joy and peace, sustained you in trial, shown his presence to you and to the world around you, kept his covenant promises and provided for you. Praise God. Psalm 105