The Jews traditionally used this Psalm as a song of worship in their synagogues, and its content made it especially suitable for Sabbath worship. Following this precedent, people began the practice of worshipping God on Sundays within designated buildings. However, while this Psalm reflects early practices of Sabbath worship, shouldn’t we recognise the need to worship God at all times and in all places? Jesus taught this truth to the Samaritan woman in John 4.
As we read the Psalms, we should not only receive their message but also appreciate the devotion of the writers, who, despite having no clear understanding of God’s redemptive plan, were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Even though they lacked full awareness of what they were expressing, the theme of redemption still emerged through their writings. In a similar way, God often speaks through us, revealing truths we may not fully grasp at the time, but which become clear as we continue to walk closely with Him through all circumstances.
God Who Is Worthy To Be Praised
It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, LORD, how profound your thoughts! – Psalm 92:1-5 (NIV)
Making music to honour God became the primary responsibility of the Levites, who were appointed by the kings to lead worship both in the temple and in the royal courts. The psalmist presents various reasons for praising God in the gatherings of His people. God grants us new mercies each morning and remains faithful to His promises throughout the day, until we rest at night.
The sound of the lyre reflects the mood of the moment—whether times of peace or seasons of war—and the Psalms are composed to match these varying themes and circumstances. They serve as expressions of thanksgiving, recounting the many blessings God had bestowed, particularly the joy He poured into their hearts. The psalmist rejoiced in singing praises to God, marvelling at His thoughts, which are far beyond human understanding.
LORD Is Exalted Forever
Senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, LORD, are forever exalted. For surely your enemies, LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured on me. – Psalm 92:6-10 (NIV)
Referring to others as “senseless” or “fools” may seem harsh, but true understanding begins when we love God and start to comprehend His ways. It is not merely a matter of human knowledge or wisdom—it is entirely about God’s grace. Many struggle to understand God while living under His common grace, which is available to all. However, we come to a deeper knowledge of Him through His saving grace.
This doesn’t imply that others are excluded from God’s saving grace. They, too, are under its reach. The difference lies in recognising and responding to that grace. The division is not in God’s provision, but in our awareness and acceptance of it. Some people’s faith is shaken when they encounter trials and tribulations, mistakenly believing that God has been overpowered. In contrast, the psalmist firmly affirmed God’s eternal presence, unchanging through every circumstance and for all time.
While the writer longed for the downfall of God’s enemies, it is true that God’s love ultimately overcomes, bringing even His enemies into submission to His grace, leaving no enemies at all. The psalmist also desired that the wicked be scattered. This echoes the scattering of the early believers after Christ’s resurrection and ascension (Acts 8:1). But were those believers evildoers?
In a broader sense, evil cannot always be narrowly defined or easily attributed to specific people. According to Scripture, evil is not just about committing wrong, but also about failing to do what is right. As James 4:17 says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
We know that we are called to share the goodness and love of God with others. When we hold back and choose not to, we too fall into the category of evildoers—not because of what we’ve done, but because of the good we failed to do.
There Is No Wickedness In God
“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’” – Psalm 92:14–15 (NIV)
Those who have found their life in God will continue to bear fruit throughout every stage of life, even into old age. The psalmist recognised God’s righteousness and faithfulness, especially as he experienced God’s protection. While many perceive God as angry or vengeful, the writer saw only His goodness.
The closing verse of this Psalm subtly reflects a truth about us: we often want God to tolerate our sinful thoughts rather than transform them. We sometimes ask Him to cover up our evil instead of removing it. We know so little of God’s perfect love, yet we are well-acquainted with the nature of evil. But when we struggle to comprehend God’s agape love, we can at least recognize this—there is no trace of evil in Him. Praise to our Father God, whose eyes are too pure to even look upon evil.
Father God,
help us not to reduce worship to an outward act
of singing or participation in a choir
Teach us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You
Make us true worshippers, in spirit and in truth
Amen
The Jordan Valley 
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