Psalm 95: A Psalm of Rest
SO OFTEN GOD gives us the consequences of our choices; other times he withholds or spares us the punishment our rebellion or hardheartedness deserves. That is an act of his mercy, for which this psalmist and all believers can give thanks. This psalm acknowledges God as Lord of the earth and Shepherd King of his people. The writer reflects on times of rebellion when the Israelites put God to the test and ended up missing out on God's rest.
Warming Up to God
Picture the place where you go to enjoy peace and serenity, rest from your labors, and listen to God. If you don't have a place like that, make one up. Where is that place? (Does it have mountain peaks, sandy beaches, desert calm, green pastures?)
Read Psalm 95. »
Discovering the Word
- Where does this psalmist envision God ruling as Lord and King (vv. 3-5)?
- Meribah and Massah are places where the Israelites rebelled in the desert and tested the Lord about whether he was with them or not (vv. 8-9). What happened as a result of that testing (vv. 10-11)?
- What is the "rest" from which the rebellious Israelites were banned with an oath of God, but which a later generation would enjoy (v. 11)?
- Imagine life without God's promised rest. What must that have been like?
- What warning does the psalmist derive from that experience as he contemplates "Meribah" and "Massah" recurring for the present generation of God's people?
Applying the Word
- Imagine life for you without God's promised rest. If your life and well-being were constantly threatened with adversaries in the land where you live and work, what would you be praying for?
- During those times in your past when your heart strayed from God's ways (v. 10), how did God bring you back to himself?
- As you listen to God's voice "today" (v. 7), what is he saying to you?
Responding in Prayer
Whatever the past or present circumstances of your relationship with him may be, this psalm invites you to come into God's presence today. Try kneeling in his presence, acknowledging him as Lord of your life, even during those times you have strayed. Soften your heart and give him the praise and thanksgiving he deserves.
For Further Study
Sabbath: The Gift of Rest by Lynne M. Baab