Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-6-summary/

5.5 Lest the Righteous Be Tempted

Read Psalm 37:1, 8; 49:6–8; 94:3–7; and 125:3. What problems does the psalmist struggle with?

The Psalms, particularly Psalm 37, 49, 94, and 125, address the challenges and questions that arise for the righteous when the wicked seem to prosper. Here are the specific problems the psalmist grapples with:

Psalm 37:1, 8:

• Prosperity of the Wicked: The psalmist laments the prosperity of the wicked, their apparent success despite their godlessness.

• Temptation to Unrighteousness: Faced with the apparent rewards for the wicked, the temptation for the righteous might be to choose the same path or question God.

Psalm 49:6–8:

• Wealth and Power of the Wicked: The psalmist confronts the fact that the wicked often possess wealth and power while arrogantly despising God.

• Temptation through Material Prosperity: The question may arise as to why the righteous do not follow the example of the wicked and also pursue wealth and power.

Psalm 94:3–7:

• Arrogance of the Wicked: The psalmist laments the arrogance of the godless who rise against God and oppress the righteous.

• Apparent Impunity: The wicked seem to get away with their actions, leading to frustration and confusion among the righteous.

Psalm 125:3:

• Rule of Godlessness: The psalmist observes that the power of the godless seems to reign over the world.

• Fragile Position of the Righteous: Faced with the apparent dominance of evil, it might be challenging for the righteous to hold onto their position.

Central Problem:

• Temptation to Resignation: Due to these challenges, the central question could arise as to why the righteous do not give up and join the wicked, as it seemingly leads to worldly success.

Lessons from the Psalms:

• Long-term Perspective: The Psalms emphasize the importance of a long-term perspective. Even if the wicked prosper temporarily, their story does not end well.

• Trust in God’s Justice: The righteous are encouraged to trust in God’s justice despite the apparent dominance of evil and not lose faith.

• Faithfulness despite Challenges: The Psalms urge the righteous to remain faithful even when confronted with life’s challenges.

Overall, these Psalms reflect the human reality that evil sometimes seems to prosper temporarily. However, the lesson is that the righteous should trust in God, even when it is difficult, and hope that God’s justice will ultimately triumph.

Read Psalm 73:1–20, 27. What brings the psalmist through the crisis? How do those who trust in worthless things end? (See also 1 Peter 1:17)

Psalm 73 describes the spiritual crisis of the psalmist, who grapples with the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Here are key aspects of the psalm and the solution that brings the psalmist through the crisis:

Psalm 73:1–20, 27: Problems of the Psalmist:

1. Confusion due to the Prosperity of the Wicked: The psalmist is disturbed because the wicked thrive while he lives in faithfulness to God (Verses 2–3).

2. Temptation to Doubt: The prosperity of the godless leads the psalmist to the temptation of questioning his faith and loyalty to God (Verses 13–14).

Solution and Turning Point:

1. Visit to the Sanctuary: The turning point comes when the psalmist enters the sanctuary, the place of God’s presence (Verse 17).

2. Change in Perspective: In the sanctuary, the psalmist gains a divine perspective and recognizes the ultimate destiny of the wicked (Verses 18–20).

3. Awareness of God’s Presence: The crucial insight is that God has always been with him, and he repents of his lack of understanding (Verses 21–22).

Conclusion and Lesson:

1. Warning against Trusting in Worthless Things: Those who trust in worthless things have a dire end (Verses 26–27).

2. God is Good to the Pure in Heart: The closing verse summarizes the central lesson of the psalm: “For indeed, God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure” (Verse 28).

Connection to 1 Peter 1:17: The psalmist comes to the understanding that the present prosperity of the wicked is only temporary, and God’s judgment will come. Similarly, the Apostle Peter reminds believers that, during their time on earth, they live as strangers and pilgrims and that God will judge each work impartially (1 Peter 1:17). This reminder strengthens believers in their faith and dedication to God, even when faced with difficulties.

Lessons for us:

1. Change of Perspective in the Sanctuary: In times of confusion and temptation, it is crucial to seek a change in perspective and experience God’s presence, as the psalmist did in the sanctuary.

2. Recognition of the Final Destiny: Understanding that the ultimate destiny of the wicked lies in God’s judgment helps us place our hope in God’s justice.

3. Confession of Foolishness and Repentance: Like the psalmist, it is important to confess our foolishness and repent when tempted to doubt the wisdom of God.

4. Trust in God’s Goodness: Regardless of circumstances, we can trust that God is good to those with pure hearts. The psalm shows that spiritual insight and awareness of God’s presence are essential to overcoming the challenges of the world.

How can the promise of God’s judgment over the world and all its evil bring you comfort when so much evil currently goes unpunished?

The promise of God’s judgment over the world and all its evil can bring comfort, even when much evil currently appears to go unpunished, for several reasons:

1. God is Just and Sovereign:

   • The promises of God’s judgment are based on the certainty that God is just and sovereign. Even if evil seems to go unpunished temporarily, faith trusts that God will ultimately bring every injustice to light and judge it.

2. Long-term Perspective:

   • The promises of God’s judgment remind us that present suffering and injustice are not the final word. A long-term perspective helps us look beyond immediate circumstances and hope for God’s ultimate justice.

3. God Keeps His Promises:

   • God’s promises are reliable. When He promises to judge unrighteousness, He will fulfill that promise. In difficult times, we can recall God’s faithfulness to His promises and trust that He will bring them to fruition.

4. God’s Timing is Different:

   • God’s timing often differs from our human understanding of time. Even when evil appears to thrive temporarily, God’s judgment may be a matter of patience and the right timing.

5. Communion with the Suffering:

   • The promise of God’s judgment encourages solidarity with those who suffer. Even if evil seems unpunished for now, believers are called to comfort, support, and hope in God’s justice together.

6. Self-examination and Repentance:

   • The prospect of God’s judgment should lead to self-examination and repentance. We can reconsider our actions and attitudes, aligning ourselves with God’s justice.

7. Hope for a New Creation:

   • The promises of God’s judgment are often linked to the idea of a new creation where justice reigns. This hope for a future free from injustice can bring comfort and redirect our focus toward the ultimate goal.

8. Redemption through Christ:

   • For Christians, the certainty of God’s judgment is connected to the hope of redemption through Christ. Christ will return as the Judge to establish justice and redeem His people.

Overall, the promises of God’s judgment amid present suffering and unpunished evil can be a source of comfort and hope. They rest on God’s character, faithfulness, and sovereignty. Belief in God’s final justice allows us to stand firm in the face of current challenges, trusting in the fulfillment of His promises.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-5-lest-the-righteous-be-tempted/

5.4 Has His Promise Failed Forevermore?

Read Psalm 77. What experience does the author go through?

In Psalm 77, the author undergoes a profound spiritual crisis marked by doubts and pains. Here are some key aspects of this experience:

1. Lament and Pain:

   • The psalmist begins with a heart-wrenching cry for help to God, expressing their complaints and painful memories. Their soul is in mourning and unrest.

2. Groaning in Remembrance of God:

   • The remembrance of God intensifies the psalmist’s sorrow. Instead of finding comfort, the mere mention of God seems to amplify their suffering. Their entire being is in a state of profound unrest.

3. Doubt in God’s Immutability:

   • The psalmist poses disturbing questions that indicate doubt in God’s immutability. Has God changed? Can He break His covenant? These questions make the psalmist feel abandoned by God.

4. Sleeplessness and Nocturnal Reflections:

   • The crisis leads to sleeplessness as the psalmist contemplates whether God has changed. Nocturnal reflections revolve around the past and the apparent absence of God in the present.

5. Remembering God’s Actions in the Past:

   • Despite doubts, the psalmist recalls God’s saving actions in the past. Reflections on God’s wonders in the history of Israel strengthen their resolve.

6. Encouragement through God’s Assurance:

   • The response the psalmist receives from God does not consist of specific explanations regarding their personal situation. Instead, God emphasizes His faithfulness and trustworthiness. The psalmist is encouraged to wait in faith on the Lord.

7. Acknowledgment of God’s Mysterious Guidance:

   • The psalmist acknowledges that God’s footprints often go unnoticed. Despite the apparent absence of God, they recognize the mysterious and sovereign ways of the Lord.

Lessons for us:

• In times of crisis, it is normal to feel doubts and pains. It is important to express these feelings before God and communicate honestly with Him.

• Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past can strengthen us in difficult times and fortify our faith.

• Even when God seems silent, we can trust in His assurances and rely on the fact that His ways are often hidden from us.

Overall, Psalm 77 shows a way through spiritual crises by dealing honestly with God, remembering His faithfulness, and trusting that God’s sovereign guidance is effective even when not apparent.

Think about past times when God has worked in your life. How can this truth help you deal with whatever you are currently experiencing?

The remembrance of past times when God has worked in my life can be a significant source of hope and comfort, especially when facing current challenges. Here are some ways in which this truth can be helpful:

1. Strengthening of Faith:

   • The remembrance of past experiences with God’s work strengthens my faith. It serves as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and power in my life.

2. Trust in God’s Character:

   • The experience of God’s work in the past reminds me of His character and promises. Trusting in God’s unchanging nature provides security and hope in uncertain times.

3. Encouragement in Hopelessness:

   • In moments of hopelessness, recalling the past reminds me that God has found ways to guide, comfort, and support me. This encouragement helps me not to lose courage.

4. Shift in Perspective:

   • Reflecting on past experiences with God’s work can help view current circumstances from a different perspective. It reminds me that God acts even in challenging times.

5. Fostering Gratitude:

   • Looking back on God’s work fosters an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude helps shift the focus from current difficulties to God’s faithfulness.

6. Hope for the Future:

   • The past is an indicator of God’s work in my life. This creates hope for the future, as I trust that God will continue to work in my life.

7. Praying with Certainty:

   • Remembering past times when prayers were answered strengthens my conviction in the power of prayer. I can pray with certainty that God is effective in the present and future.

8. Encouragement for Others:

   • Sharing stories of God’s work in my life can also encourage others. Testimonies can be a source of inspiration and hope for others facing challenges.

In summary, remembering God’s work in the past helps maintain a positive and trusting attitude, even in the presence of current challenges and uncertainties. It serves as an anchor of faith, reminding that God is capable of guiding us through difficult times.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-4-has-his-promise-failed-forevermore/

5.3 Where is God?

Read Psalm 42:2–4; 63:2; 69:2–4, and 102:2–8. What causes great distress to the psalmist?

The quoted verses from Psalm 42:2–4, 63:2, 69:2–4, and 102:2–8 convey the psalmist’s deep sense of suffering intensified by the apparent absence of God. Here are key aspects and what causes great distress to the psalmist:

Psalm 42:2–4:

• The psalmist describes their thirst for God, likened to intense thirst in a dry land.

• The longing for God’s presence is compared to living water, and God’s absence is felt as painful.

Psalm 63:2:

• The psalmist expresses their yearning for God in the wilderness, where water is essential for life. God’s absence is experienced as thirst in a dry and parched land.

Psalm 69:2–4:

• The psalmist feels estranged from God, describing their situation as feeling swallowed by mighty waters and sinking in deep mud.

• The psalmist’s distress is so overwhelming that without divine intervention, there is no hope of deliverance.

Psalm 102:2–8:

• The psalmist describes their deep fear of death and loneliness.

• The mention of birds like the owl and the little owl emphasizes the feeling of isolation and solitude. The psalmist compares themselves to a bird lonely on the roof, outside its secure nest.

General Suffering:

• It is emphasized that it’s not only the personal suffering of the psalmist that troubles them, but also the apparent absence of God.

• Metaphors of thirst, water, and birds underscore the urgent need for God’s presence and reveal the depth of the psalmist’s soulful distress.

Feeling of Isolation:

• The desert, the bird on the roof, and the use of images like swallowing waters and deep mud emphasize the hopelessness and loneliness of the psalmist.

• The absence of God is felt as particularly painful, as the psalmist feels removed from their place of rest, security, and protection.

Overall, these Psalms express deep suffering caused by the apparent distance from God. The psalmist experiences not only personal difficulties but also the painful feeling of estrangement from God, intensifying the suffering. These Psalms reflect the human experience of longing for God’s presence and the profound distress arising from its apparent absence.

Read Psalm 10:12; 22:2; 27:9, and 39:13. How does the psalmist react to the apparent absence of God?

The quoted verses from Psalm 10:12; 22:2; 27:9, and 39:13 provide insight into the psalmist’s reaction to the apparent absence of God. Here are some key aspects:

Psalm 10:12:

• The psalmist prays and calls upon God despite the apparent absence.

• They acknowledge that God will not remain silent forever and trust that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail.

Psalm 22:2:

• The psalmist begins with the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

• Although the Psalm starts with a cry of abandonment, it evolves into an expression of trust in God’s redemption and faithfulness.

Psalm 27:9:

• The psalmist asks God not to hide His face and turn not in anger.

• Despite the apparent absence of God, the psalmist encourages themselves to wait on the Lord and be of good courage.

Psalm 39:13:

• The psalmist prays to God, asking Him to take notice of their prayers.

• While aware of life’s transience, the psalmist continues to place trust in God and seeks ongoing communication.

Confession, Humility, and Confidence:

• The psalmists choose not to remain silent but to turn to God, even when His response is not immediately evident.

• Prayer is seen as a means to connect with the living and merciful God, even in His apparent silence.

Continuous Communication with God:

• The psalmists recognize that prayer and communication with God are crucial in all life circumstances, even when God seems temporarily silent.

• The Psalms show that the relationship with God must be maintained despite challenges and apparent absence.

Overall, these Psalms reflect the tension between sensing God’s absence and maintaining firm belief that God will eventually respond. The psalmists demonstrate an act of trust by persistently praying, examining themselves, and seeking God with confession and humility.

What can we learn from the psalmist’s reactions to the apparent absence of God? How do you respond during times when God seems silent? What keeps your faith alive?

The psalmist’s reactions to the apparent absence of God offer valuable lessons for our own spiritual lives, especially in times of silence or difficulty. Here are some teachings we can draw from the psalmist’s reactions:

1. Continuation of Prayer:

   • Despite God’s apparent absence, the psalmist remains committed to prayer. We can learn that prayer is a vital expression of our relationship with God, even when immediate answers are not received.

2. Expression of Emotions:

   • The Psalms teach us that it’s okay to express our feelings, including frustration, uncertainty, and abandonment, before God. Honestly sharing our emotions can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with God.

3. Confession and Humility:

   • The psalmist confesses their dependence on God and seeks His help. In times of apparent absence, we can learn to remain humble and acknowledge our need for God’s guidance and intervention.

4. Trust in God’s Character:

   • Even when God seems silent, the psalmist emphasizes God’s justice, mercy, and love. We can learn to maintain our trust in God’s character, even when we don’t fully understand the reasons for His actions.

5. Remembrance of God’s Faithfulness in the Past:

   • The psalmists often recall God’s actions in the past. We can learn that reflecting on God’s faithfulness in previous experiences can help us endure in faith, even when the present is challenging.

6. Faith Amidst Uncertainty:

   • The psalmist chooses faith despite uncertainty. In times of God’s seeming silence, we can learn to actively nurture our faith and hold onto the truth that God is still sovereign and present.

Personal Response:

• During times of God’s apparent silence, it’s crucial to communicate honestly and sincerely with God. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and actively nurturing our relationship with God are essential.

• Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past and trusting in His character help keep faith alive.

• Community with other believers can be supportive during such times, providing opportunities for collective prayer and spiritual strengthening.

In summary, the psalmist’s reactions teach us that our relationship with God remains paramount in both good and challenging times. It’s essential to express our emotions and thoughts before God, maintain faith through prayer, and trust that God is still present even in moments of apparent silence.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-3-where-is-god/

5.2 At Death’s Door

Read Psalm 41:2–5; 88:4–13; and 102:3–5, 11, 23–24. What experiences do these verses describe, and to what extent can you relate to what is being said?

The cited verses from Psalm 41:2–5, 88:4–13, and 102:3–5, 11, 23–24 provide insight into the profound experiences of suffering, illness, and the potential nearness of death faced by the psalmists. Here are key experiences described in these verses and ways in which they can be relatable:

Psalm 41:2–5:

• The psalmist describes his physical weakness and illness.

• He feels abandoned by friends and suffers from betrayal.

Psalm 88:4–13:

• The psalmist is at the threshold of death.

• He feels forsaken by God, expresses his suffering, and acknowledges being in deep darkness.

• Nevertheless, the lament itself is an act of faith, and the psalmist clings to God, recalling God’s wonders, goodness, and faithfulness.

Psalm 102:3–5, 11, 23–24:

• The psalmist describes his physical weakness and misery.

• He feels like a bird in the desert and an owl in the ruins.

• The days of suffering bring him to the threshold of death.

• Yet, he remembers God’s sovereignty and seeks grace and mercy.

Relatability:

• Every person can identify with the described experiences in various ways, whether through personal illness, suffering, betrayal, or the feeling of abandonment.

• The psalms emphasize that believers are not exempt from life’s challenges but can turn to God in their distress.

Theological Aspect:

• Some psalms suggest that illness and suffering can be consequences of sin, while others, like Psalm 88, emphasize innocent suffering.

• The certainty of God’s sovereignty provides hope even when understanding the why of suffering is limited.

Connection to Christ:

• Reflecting on Psalm 88 in light of Christ’s suffering emphasizes God’s deep love, leading Jesus to cross the threshold of death to redeem humanity.

In summary, these psalms illustrate that dealing with suffering and illness is a profound spiritual journey where believers can recognize both their weaknesses and unwavering hope in God’s sovereignty. It underscores the importance of the act of faith, holding onto God even in the darkest times, and remembering His goodness and faithfulness.

Now, ponder Jesus on the cross and what He suffered because of sin. How should this fact, that God in Christ suffered even more than any of us, help us hold onto our faith in times of suffering and testing?

Reflecting on Jesus on the cross and His suffering due to sin provides a profound perspective that can assist us in holding onto our faith during times of suffering and testing. Here are some considerations:

1. Compassion and Identification:

   • Jesus didn’t merely observe our suffering; He experienced it firsthand. His suffering was more intense and profound than anything we could ever experience.

   • In our suffering, we can trust that Jesus understands our compassion and can identify with our weaknesses.

2. Love and Sacrifice:

   • Jesus’s suffering was an act of unconditional love and voluntary sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

   • This love and sacrifice should encourage us to radiate love during times of suffering and be willing to advocate for the well-being of others.

3. Hope and Redemption:

   • Through His suffering, Jesus opened the door to hope and redemption. His sacrifice allows us to experience forgiveness and eternal life.

   • Amid our suffering, we can look to the hope of redemption through Christ, knowing that our present sufferings do not have the final word.

4. God’s Sovereignty and Purpose:

   • Jesus’s suffering was part of the divine plan for humanity’s redemption. It was not meaningless but had a deep, divine purpose.

   • In our suffering, we can trust that God has sovereignty over all things and can bring a higher purpose even from the most challenging circumstances.

5. Trust in God’s Love:

   • Jesus on the cross is the ultimate sign of God’s love for us. Even in the greatest suffering, God did not abandon us.

   • In our sufferings, we can trust in the unchanging love of God and rely on the assurance that He is with us, even when it’s not always evident.

6. Coping with Suffering:

   • Jesus demonstrated that suffering is not the end. His death was followed by resurrection, symbolizing victory over death and suffering.

   • In our own sufferings, we can look to the hope of resurrection and trust that God’s power is effective in our weakness.

In conclusion, contemplating Jesus on the cross assures us that even in the deepest depths of suffering and testing, God is with us. It encourages us not to give up our faith but to trust that God’s love, hope, and redemption are superior in every situation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-2-at-deaths-door/