SOAP Journal 04-02-2008 (Psalm 89:9-10, 89:49)

Scripture:

Psalm 89:9-10 You rule over the proud sea. When its waves surge, you calm them. You crushed the Proud One and killed it; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

Psalm 89:49 Where are your earlier faithful deeds, O Lord, the ones performed in accordance with your reliable oath to David?

Observation:

The sea is personified and given a bad attitude - one of surging pride. In creation God conquered it, though the application is wide and long. Then ... in the psalm, God gave favor to David with the same sovereign promises and moves that He created all things. Yet, his favor faded when the king (whichever) failed to follow God (can we say was NOT "a man after God's own heart"?). In vs 49, the psalmist (Ethan) recalls God's earlier oath, bargaining as it were for God to be true to His word. He (the psalmist) wants things back to the favorable way they were.

Application:

That the God Who rebuked the seas would take such a detailed, personal interest in the affairs of men to name a particular king - and his dynasty - as a recipient of His enduring favor boggles the mind with the implications of divine condescension (the good kind). It is true, clearly, that God's favor rests upon those who diligently seek Him. But, seek Him not and His favor you'll have not. The misunderstanding of the psalmist regarding God's promise is indicative of the human heart - like a little child we half-quote the sayings of our parents in our selfish bargaining. This is not to say the psalmist is not living in perilous times and under real oppression. It's just that God is after the heart, not a recitation of history. Joseph was oppressed too, but "the Lord was with Joseph".

Prayer:

Father, keep me from being a chatterbox, telling You why I (or we) deserve this or that. Grant that I can have Your peace through all the storms, for You are the one who crushed the proud sea. I could never do that, but You did it already! I praise Your name, dance Your dance, sing Your song. Praise You.