THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
We are Christians not merely for the sake of worldly benefits; no one should misplace their hope on temporal joys or expect happiness from their faith. Instead, let one appreciate the joy that comes in the moments it is felt, and express gratitude for God's comfort when experienced. Conversely, in times of absence, let him acknowledge God's righteous judgment. Always maintain a spirit of thankfulness, showing gratitude to the Father who both nurtures and corrects us, for His love remains constant in both grace and discipline. As the Psalmist reminds us, “It is good to give thanks unto the Lord; and to sing to thy Name, O Most High” (Psalm 90:1).
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This particular psalm is referred to as ‘A psalm to be sung on the Sabbath.’ Today is the Sabbath, a day when some observe it as a time for lounging and indulgence. They refrain from productive labor, filling their time with trivial matters, and while God instituted the Sabbath, they disregard its sanctity through forbidden activities. Our rest is from sinful actions, their rest mistakenly prioritizes disengagement from good deeds, despite it being more virtuous to labor than to indulge in frivolity. God presents to us the true Sabbath—one that exists in the heart; many may be idle in body but restless within their conscience. The genuine joy found in the peace of our hope embodies our Sabbath. This psalm aptly celebrates the inner Sabbath of a believer—characterized by tranquility, clarity, and composure of conscience—while showing us why many experience turmoil, teaching us to uphold the Sabbath in our hearts.
One should turn inward and self-reflect, as doing so leads to mercy. Many might wrongly assign blame to destiny rather than to Satan. When queried about their wrongdoings, some may say it was their doomed fate guiding them to sin, thereby distancing themselves from personal responsibility and implying God is the author of their failings. They fail to acknowledge their part in the wrongdoing and instead point a finger at divine design, daring to blaspheme even if unconsciously. If asked about fate, they may refer to malign stars as the cause, yet if asked who created such stars, they recognize it leads back to God. Thus, through either explicit or implicit acknowledgment, they accuse God of their sins, misunderstanding that divine punishment addresses human actions to rectify what transgresses God’s will.
What does this psalm communicate? It champions the goodness of confession before the Lord. Confession entails recognizing both your sins, which are your own responsibility, and acknowledging the good works that come from Him. Sing praises to the Name of the Most High with an intent to glorify Him rather than seeking personal glory. For those who seek God's Name will have their own name honored; neglect His Name, and you risk having your own forgotten.
To declare His mercy in the morning and His faithfulness at night (Psalm 90:2) signifies that we should reflect on God's kindness during times of wellness—in contrast to our struggles during sorrow. It is wrong to perceive God's favor solely in times of peace while viewing hardship as His harshness. Rather, when we revel in His mercy in times of joy, we should equally praise His truth during trials, for His discipline is just, cleansing us of sin and not an act of cruelty.
At night, Daniel exemplified this by confessing God’s truth through prayer, acknowledging their sins, stating, “We have sinned, and done iniquity, and done evil. Lord, Thou hast truth, and we have confusion of faces” (Daniel 9:5, 7). Speaking of God’s truth during times of trial entails not blaming Him for our suffering but recognizing the corrective nature of our woes—while praising His mercy in times of ease.
With the ten-stringed harp and psaltery (Psalm 91:3), we are called to celebrate not only through song but through actions that embody our praise. The ten-stringed instrument symbolizes the Ten Commandments, yet merely possessing or acknowledging the Law is not enough; true fulfillment necessitates performance and praise in both word and deed.
The psalmist expresses joy in God's works, rejoicing in the creation of good within us (Psalm 90:4). We are crafted for righteousness by His design. If we cannot generate good from within, we must seek it from the source—the Almighty. Just as a stone cannot radiate light without an external flame, neither can we shine without God. Draw close to Him and be warmed; as noted, “Do not be slothful in spirit” (Romans 12:11). What then is light? If you approach Him, you will bask in illumination. Thus, the psalm poignantly reminds us to “Look unto Him, and thou shalt be relieved: and your faces shall not be ashamed.” Only through divine illumination can we produce true goodness, and it is vital to remind ourselves of our source of righteousness: “for what have ye that ye have not received?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).
Yet, a troubled soul may question why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. It is in the depths of God’s wisdom that we find answers (Psalm 90:5). No ocean can match the profundity of God’s designs, through which He allows the good to endure suffering while permitting the wicked to thrive momentarily. Beware of envy as the transient prosperity of the wicked draws one toward their plight. Cling firmly to the cross of Christ, for it offers salvation from drowning in despair. In enduring the troubles inherent in existence, we emulate the suffering Savior who faced humiliation without shunning His appointed fate (Isaiah 50:6). His resurrection is our assurance of hope, guiding our endurance through worldly tribulations, just as you should not falter amidst seeming injustice around you.
Understand that these incongruities are temporal; for eternity is a different narrative. Resist the allure of immediate gratifications, knowing that divine justice will ultimately prevail. Though it appears that life is fleeting, we must remember that God exists beyond time, fulfilling His plan in accordance with His wisdom and timing. The eternal mindset transcends immediate discomfort and allows patience for the glorious outcomes of righteousness which will sure to follow.
When the psalmist refers to folly, he highlights that “the foolish man understandeth not” (Psalm 91:6) and points to the ignorance surrounding the fleeting nature of evil. The wicked, like grass, flourish momentarily—withering away come summer’s peak. Thus, the righteous are portrayed as enduring structures; they flourish like a palm tree rooted securely, growing towards the heavens, reflecting Christ our foundation, who endures adversity as an eternal cedar. Unlike the transient delight of the grass, rootedness in righteousness offers unwavering strength amid life’s tempests.
Those who are anchored in the Lord's presence thrive, finding fruitfulness even in their later years (Psalm 90:12). They exhibit unwavering joy in their enduring labor for God. This psalm, emphasizing an inner Sabbath, evokes silent resilience amid scorn, demonstrating the steadfastness of those rooted in God’s house. Those who sing praises through word and action testify to God’s enduring promises.
The righteous will flourish eternally and be unashamed when God fulfills His promises. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and dedicated to righteousness, believing God’s ultimate justice over our present struggles. Those who seem to thrive in their misdeeds will face divine retribution; hence, remain steadfast and bear witness to “how faithful is the Lord my strength, and that there is no unrighteousness in Him.”