Friday, April 4

Scripture:  1 Kings 1-3, Psalm 94

Psalm 94 is an example of honest prayer.  The writer must have been going through a rough time of life and asks “the God who avenges” to “pay back the proud what they deserve” (vv. 1-2).  Though the writer of this prayer is not identified, we see a story in 1 Kings 1-3 that could have been the setting for this prayer.  It records a time in the closing days of life for King David in which his eldest living son, Adonijah, saw an opportunity to grasp “his right” to be the successor of his father.  The story proceeds to tell how David countered Adonijah’s power plans and arranged the coronation of Solomon as his heir to the throne of Israel.

The Psalmist asks, “How long, LORD, will the wicked be jubilant?” (v. 3).  But we see a shift in his prayer in vv. 11-12: “The LORD knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile. Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD.”  Though the Psalmist is probably referring to the “evildoer,” I wonder if the Holy Spirit is redirecting the thoughts of the one who is praying.  Notice the petition of v .19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”

Is there someone for whom you feel deep anger due to injustice toward you or a friend or a people group in the world?  Consider using Psalm 94 as a format to pray about your anger and for the “evildoer” stirring up anxiety disrupting your peace.

~Steve Grosvenor

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