Wednesday's Psalm 94

Photo by Rémi Walle on Unsplash

Midweek can feel heavy, and Psalm 94 meets us in that weight. It speaks to injustice and struggle but also reminds us that we are not alone. Even when our steps falter, we are steadied; when worries multiply, comfort is near. As you engage with this psalm, reflect on where you find strength and support in uncertain times.

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Psalms 94

God of retribution, ETERNAL One,
God of retribution, appear!

Rise up, judge of the earth,
give the arrogant their deserts!

How long shall the wicked, O ETERNAL One,
how long shall the wicked exult,

shall they utter insolent speech,
shall all evildoers vaunt themselves?

They crush Your people, O ETERNAL One,
they afflict Your very own;

they kill the widow and the stranger;
they murder the fatherless,

thinking, “Yah does not see it,
the God of Jacob does not pay heed.”

Take heed, you most brutish people;
fools, when will you get wisdom?

Shall the One who implants the ear not hear,
the One who forms the eye not see?

Shall the One who disciplines nations not punish,
the One who instructs humankind in knowledge?

GOD knows human designs to be futile.

Happy are those whom You discipline, O Yah,
whom You instruct in Your teaching,

whom You give tranquility in times of misfortune,
until a pit be dug for the wicked.

For GOD will not forsake this people;
God’s very own will not be abandoned.

Judgment shall again accord with justice
and all the upright shall rally to it.

Who will take my part against evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against wrongdoers?

Were not GOD my help,
I should soon dwell in silence.

If I said my feet have stumbled;

the loving-kindness of God will steady me.

When my cares multiply within me, Your comfort soothes my soul.

Shall the seat of injustice be Your partner,
that frames mischief by statute?

They band together to do away with the righteous;
they condemn the innocent to death.

But GOD is my haven;
my God is my sheltering rock.

Their evil will be made to recoil upon them,
through their own wickedness they will be annihilated;
the ETERNAL our God will annihilate them.