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Psalm 94 . What an unusual opening - so different - not many prayers begin by addressing God in such terms. It arrests you. It does get your attention, and, it is true. Now and again - we need something to shake us - awaken us - regarding our praying. God does not reject, ignore or overlook this type of praying.

The disciples noticed the difference when they overheard Jesus praying - and they asked Jesus - Teach us to pray. Luke 11.

When we look at the opening words of these Psalm - there is such variety. God is such a God of variety - no matter where you look in Creation - you can see something different - unique - and attractive.

Verse 1 – The God Who avenges is the same God Who shines forth. God does more than love. The writer sees the evil doers in power - and smarts under their oppression. His sense of Divine Sovereignty of which he had been singing in the previous Psalm leads him to appeal to God.

Never seek revenge - never seek to get even - to get your own back - retaliation - leave all that to God. Romans 12verses 17 - 21 .

Verse 2 – Rise up O God and do what only You can do. He is confident and assured that God is more than able to act.

Verse 3 – then there comes the inevitable question - even when praying - HOW LONG? This is a natural reaction when we see innocence being trampled upon - "Shall wrong rule for ever?"

Verse 4 – Arrogant words and boasting - this believing man is perplexed by the prosperity of the wicked. Have the proud given you a hard time? They did to Jesus.

Verse 5 – They crush your people - and there are times when God permits that. They oppress. We are dealing with deep emotional reactions which we all experience - and they are sore, upsetting and disturbing.

Verse 6 – They slay and murder - those who are so weak and vulnerable - those who should be the objects of compassion and tenderness. The tears of widows and the cries of strangers and the blood of orphans - this was written 3,000 years ago.

Verse 7 – They say - The Lord does not see - the God of Jacob pays no attention. Such arrogance - as they dream so wrongly of a blind God. God does not see - O yes, He does. Jacob's God heard him at the brook Jabbok - and God has led him and kept him all his life long. Genesis 32verse 26 - I will not let you go unless you bless me.

Verse 8 – Is it not high time you became wise - that you came to your senses? How frequently these thoughts go through our minds. Be careful now - Jesus was forever warning people about being careful and taking care - about watching and praying - guarding against being deceived - about being alert - and being cautious regarding what is said.

Verse 9 – Then come various questions - He Who made the ear - He Who made you hear - do you not think that He Himself can hear? And He Who formed the eye - moulded and shaped it - the word used by the potter - do you not think He can see all that is going on?

God disciplines - punishes - and teaches.

“Lord God Almighty – teach us from Your Holy Word – we see what happens when men run away from You – when governments ignore You – when individuals think they can do better than following Your Ways. Loving Father, You have given us a big task – but You also provide the grace and love of the risen and living Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Help us as we serve – help us in our various struggles – help us to overcome – enable us to remain faithful to the very end, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.” Amen.

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - February 3-7