THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
As we attentively engage with the reading of the Psalm, we will also listen earnestly as the Lord unveils the mysteries that He has chosen to conceal in this passage. Some truths in Scripture are purposely hidden—not to be denied but to be disclosed to those who seek earnestly. Thus, if you knock with genuine reverence and heartfelt love, He who understands your intentions will make Himself known to you (Matthew 7:7). We are all aware of those who may grumble against the forbearance of God, lamenting either the existence of wicked individuals or the significant influence they wield. It often appears that the unrighteous hold power over the righteous, that the wicked thrive while the righteous endure suffering, that the arrogant prosper while the humble remain in distress.
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Witnessing such realities in humanity can lead the impatient and weak-minded to despair, believing their goodness is in vain. It may seem as if God withdraws or appears indifferent to the good deeds of the faithful, while aiding the unrighteous in their indulgences. Consequently, those with fragile spirits may conclude that their virtuous life is futile, compelling them to either mimic the successful wicked or, due to external or internal limitations, refrain from evil actions—not out of love for justice, but rather from a fear of social judgment. Their foremost corrupt thoughts revolve around the idea that God overlooks human deeds, treating the righteous and the unrighteous equally, or more detrimentally, that He punishes the righteous while favoring the wicked. Such thoughts, though harmless to others, bring self-harm and wickedness to oneself, without affecting God, but rather leading to spiritual demise.
In the title of the Psalm, specifically recorded as "A Psalm of David himself, on the fourth day of the week," a lesson in enduring patience amid the righteous' sufferings is presented. It encourages steadfastness against the triumphs of the wicked. The significance of the "fourth day of the week" may be explored further. The first day signifies the Lord's day, the second relates to what worldly people reference as the lunar day, while the third is referred to as the Martian day. As for the fourth, it is called the day of Mercury by Gentiles, a term that I prefer to see replaced for a more fitting designation relatable to Christians. Custom should not dictate our language if it contradicts our beliefs, as many nations recognize various terminologies, and thus the Church’s expressions are better suited to a Christian audience. However, if one speaks a term out of custom that contradicts their heart's conviction, they must remember that the celestial bodies were created long before humanity, and it is misguided to honor those who, due to fame earned only in this life, were granted divine titles. This folly was fueled by the devil, now corrected by Christ. Therefore, from our perspective, we view the fourth day as the fourth from the Lord's Day.
Reflecting on this title reveals a profound and indeed hidden truth. In contemplating the creation detailed in Genesis, we note that light was established on the first day; on the second, the firmament, called heaven; on the third, the earth and the seas emerged, with the waters gathered as seas and the dry land as earth. Notably, on the fourth day, God created the celestial lights: the sun to govern the day, the moon, and the stars to illuminate the night (Genesis 1:3-19). The choice of the fourth day to bear the name of this Psalm may reflect the lessons regarding endurance against wickedness and the tribulations faced by the righteous. The Apostle Paul similarly exhorts us to practice patience, insisting that all should act without murmuring and disputing, aiming to shine as lights amidst a crooked and perverse generation and to hold fast to the word of life (Philippians 2:14-16).
Examining the Psalm now, we note that "the Lord is a God of vengeance; a God of vengeance acted boldly" (Psalm 93:1). Do you presume He does not enact justice? As a God of vengeance, He certainly does. One may question the apparent lack of punishment for the wicked, yet this should not lead to murmuring, lest one becomes subject to divine judgment. When a thief remains unpunished, it inclines us to grumble against God—yet, the admonition is to correct one’s own heart and words toward others and toward God. Judgments await those who persist in their iniquities, ungrateful for the bounty of His mercy and who collect wrath for the day of righteous judgment. God will indeed reward every person according to their deeds (Romans 2:4-6)—hence, He acts with authority.
Our refuge is in our Savior, who provides hope for all the needy and afflicted. When He declares, "I will act with boldness in Him," it implies fearlessness, sparing no details concerning human nature’s vices. Like a diligent physician, He wields the scalpel of preaching with which He excises our wounds. This fulfills the prophecies and proclamations made of Him. Reflect on the remarkable teachings of the One who spoke with authority: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" He reproached them without fear. Why? Because He is a God of vengeance, which compelled Him to deliver with unyielding clarity the testimony of His truth that they might not remain unexamined after His merciful patience. Those unwilling to embrace His words would consequently face the wrath of their Judge. As He has shown courage during His humiliation, one must consider His demeanor of boldness under glorification, recognizing that if He was uncompromising in His ministry, He certainly will not waver at the final judgment.
What follows His decisive actions? "Be exalted, O Judge of the world" (Psalm 92:2). Reflecting on how He was imprisoned during His humility, do you suppose they will imprison Him anew when He is exalted? If they dared judge Him as mortal, will they not face His judgment in immortality? He says, "Be exalted, I acted with confidence," for though the wicked thought they achieved a glorious act in seizing and crucifying Him, they should have revered Him as the sacred one deserving of faith. Having acted courageously amid the wicked, He now invites us to recognize His resurrection and ascension—allowing the Church to endure amidst trials just as He persevered.
His exaltation denotes a severe recompense for the proud according to their deeds, fulfilling prophecy—not merely that Christ obeyed the prophet in rising, but rather the prophet foretelling because Christ was destined to rise. He glimpses Christ in humility, now exalted; discerning Him in His earthly suffering leads to the moment of glorious resurrection and the righteous judgment to follow. As such, He promises to reward the proud while sparing the lowly. Continuing in this narrative, we see the psalmist's recognition of the suffering afflicted upon the righteous (Psalm 92:5). The Psalm depicts their oppression against the widow, orphan, and the proselyte alike (Psalm 92:6)—portraying the plight of those journeying in this life.
The wicked proclaim, "The Lord will not see" (Psalm 93:7), believing themselves beyond the gaze of God, who observes all. They falsely assume that due to perceived delay in divine retribution, their actions are unseen. Humans may deceitfully convince themselves that their deeds go unnoticed, akin to a fool who believes he can hide from the eyes of God. One miserable soul asserts, "The Lord does not see", a declaration underscoring folly.
The psalm implores the foolish among humanity to value wisdom, cautioning those who may waver in righteousness amidst the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 92:8). Those discerning all this must recognize that true vitality dwells in aligning with God's will while maintaining patience in suffering. If the righteous endure in hope, their labor will ultimately yield a glorious reward, symbolized by the promise that God will not abandon His people (Psalm 92:14). God’s mercy, though afflicting for a season, heralds eternal salvation contrasted against the fleeting delights of sin.
With hardship comes the charge to obtain righteousness before judgment will follow, reminding us of the role of patience in the Christian journey. Righteousness amid trials grants the capacity to endure and judge righteously, awaiting the time when all will receive the just fruits of their labor. Yet, this call to patience requires understanding: God’s timings and methods of deliverance may not align with human expectations. We, too, can often expect swift resolution, but God’s enduring mercy provides for a fuller restoration. Christ, in His wisdom, orients His followers towards cultivating patience, assuring them that the righteous shall stand.
Thus, let us cultivate strength and resilience, keeping our hearts aligned with Him, as we recognize that among the many challenges posed by the wicked, the true call remains a steadfast adherence to the grace and guidance of our Lord. Each trial serves as an opportunity for growth, a divine invitation to reflect on His love manifested even amidst tribulation. Knowing our capacity to stumble, let us approach Him in all humility, recognizing where our deficiencies lie, surrendering all to His grace so that, despite our slips, we might find His support upholding our steps.
Finally, in the face of adversity, one must not yield to the venomous whispers of despair but hold fast to the truth that God sees all. He desires our transformation and that we cling steadfastly to the teachings imparted through trials. With such insight does He reveal the depth of His profound justice, and likewise, the profound love that transforms suffering into sanctification, thus leading us closer to Him.