October 8
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THE LORD NEVER ABANDONS HIS PEOPLE
Pay heed, you senseless among the people;
And when will you understand, stupid ones?
9 He who planted the ear, does He not hear?
He who formed the eye, does He not see?
10 He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke,
Even He who teaches man knowledge?
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
That they are a mere breath.-
12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD,
And whom You teach out of Your law;
13 That You may grant him relief from the days of adversity,
Until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 For the LORD will not abandon His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance. Psalm 94:8-14
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This song of lament is a reminder to all those people who are undergoing oppression. It prompts them to remember all the things the Lord has created and done for His people. Verse 8 brings people to their foolishness and verses 9 mentions gifts that God has given those whom He made. He gave them ears to hear Him and eyes to see Him and yet people don’t use it for that purpose. Humans have a tendency to use such gifts for their own gains. Verse 10 talks about God’s faithfulness at keeping His promise to those who love Him. He will correct and discipline them. In verse 11, we are reminded of the omniscient nature of God, who sees everything. He knows our thoughts.
The psalmist reminds God’s people of the blessings they are going to experience when they are faithful to their creator. In verse 13, we hear the promise of comfort and deliverance from adversities. It also talks about the vengeance that God will bring forth to the enemies who oppress His beloved people. Another promise in this part of Psalm 94 is that the Lord never forsakes His people. He is faithful to ensure that salvation and deliverance are granted to all the faithful ones who runs to Him for help in times of oppression and troubles.
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REFLECTION
• How can we constantly run to God when it is in our nature to self-protect and be self-sufficient? Why does God want us to depend on Him?