Rejoicing About What The Lord Has Done

Bible Passage: Psalm 92:1-5

Psalm 92:1–5 NASB 2020

It is good to give thanks to the Lord And to sing praises to Your name, Most High; To declare Your goodness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night, With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp, With resounding music on the lyre. For You, Lord, have made me joyful by what You have done, I will sing for joy over the works of Your hands. How great are Your works, Lord! Your thoughts are very deep.

Introduction

A) Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell (1872-1970), was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, and public intellectual. His work had a substantial influence on various fields including mathematics, logic, set theory, and philosophy. He was one of the early 20th century’s most prominent logicians and co-founder of analytic philosophy, alongside Gottlob Frege, G. E. Moore, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.

Russell was born in Trellech, Monmouthshire, Wales. He faced significant personal tragedy early in his life with the deaths of his parents and sister. Raised by his grandmother, Russell's early education was conducted at home, where he developed a strong foundation in languages and mathematics. He later attended Trinity College, Cambridge, excelling in mathematics and philosophy.

Russell married four times, and his personal life was marked by both public and private turmoil. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his work and principles, leaving a lasting legacy in both philosophical thought and social activism.

Russell's life and work continue to inspire and challenge thinkers across diverse disciplines. But, Bertrand Russell, was an avowed atheist who openly opposed religious practices, including giving thanks to a deity, advocating for a more secular approach to gratitude and morality.

B) Context of the Text

Although it may not register with many of us, there are some people who believe and act like it is bad to give thanks to the Lord. We can benefit from this psalmist’s attitude and avoid embracing the opinions of others who promote such views. He shows us his resolution to Praise the Lord; I want to promote that resolution for us present today.

The passage before us is found in the 4th Book of the Psalms, beginning at Psalm 90 and concluding at Psalm 106.

The Faithlife Study Bible states that : Psalm 92 is a thanksgiving psalm. It focuses on a contrast between the righteous and the wicked.

The key to this Psalm lies in the words:—“For Thou, Lord, has made me joyful by what You have done; I will sing for joy over the the works of Your hands,” v. 4. Sometimes the term “works of Your hands,” denote the works of the creation, sometimes the acts of God’s rule. But in this text, the sense used is seen by the immediate introduction of allusions to personal trouble, and personal deliverance. The Psalmist has just seen the downfall of adversaries who were waiting to ambush him; he has witnessed that wickedness, although seemingly successful at first, ultimately leads to shame and disgrace. His own position has been greatly improved; his strength is elevated; his ears and eyes confirm that the enemy has been defeated. These are the reasons for the Psalmist's joy; hence, he declares at the beginning that it is appropriate to give thanks to the Lord and concludes that a reward of prosperity surely awaits the righteous.

Point of the Passage:

This text is designed to demonstrate to us that “Giving thanks to the Lord is a good and appropriate response to what he has done.”

Challenges to the Affirmation

Life's Challenges: Difficulties such as illness, financial struggles, or personal loss can make it challenging to feel gratitude. In such times, focusing on blessings can be difficult but ultimately rewarding.

Distractions: The fast pace of modern life with its numerous distractions and responsibilities can lead people to forget or overlook the importance of giving thanks.

Routine and Repetition: Over time, the act of giving thanks can become routine, losing its meaning and sincerity. It's important to keep the practice fresh and heartfelt.

Comparison: Comparing one's circumstances to others can lead to envy or dissatisfaction, which can overshadow feelings of gratitude.

Unanswered Prayers: When prayers seem unanswered, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of thankfulness. Understanding that answers may not come in expected ways or within expected timelines can help maintain faith and gratitude.

Expectation and Entitlement: Sometimes, people may feel entitled to certain blessings, making it hard to appreciate them genuinely.

Spiritual Dryness: There may be times of spiritual dryness when one struggles to feel connected to their faith, making it harder to cultivate a thankful heart.

These challenges most often arise in people who have placed the priority on what they believe He has not done. The text call them stupid, foolish, and wicked.

There is Nothing Wrong with Giving Thanks to the Lord

See Psa 92:1-2

Psalm 92:1–2 NASB 2020

It is good to give thanks to the Lord And to sing praises to Your name, Most High; To declare Your goodness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night,

Instead of calling on others to praise the Lord, as in so many praise psalms, in Psalm 92 the psalmist exclaims about why he is giving thanks to him (cf. Pss 145:1–2; 146:1–2). He uses the language of thanksgiving (yādâ), which could indicate that this is a song used to accompany a thank offering in response to God’s answer to a previous petition (cf. Pss 107:22; 116:17). Giving thanks to the Lord is a good and appropriate response to what he has done. More broadly, the psalmist uses musical accompaniment (zāmar) to praise the name, or character, of the Lord; and this will be detailed especially in vv

Philippians 4:4–7, Luke 1:46–55

Summary: These passages collectively emphasize the theme of joy and gratitude in response to God's salvation and faithfulness.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to cultivate a spirit of joy in the face of life's challenges, reminding them that their salvation elicits a reason to rejoice and express gratitude. It invites those struggling with fear or anxiety to find peace in God's unwavering love and promises.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true joy stems from recognizing God's work in our lives, and that thanksgiving is a powerful response to His deeds, leading us to peace amidst chaos.

How this passage could point to Christ: In each of these passages, we see the ultimate fulfillment of joy and salvation in Jesus Christ, who is the source of our hope and peace—His life, death, and resurrection embody the joyful responses of God's people.

Big Idea: Our joy is rooted in God's faithfulness and His salvation, calling us to respond with praise and gratitude in every season of life.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider using Logos to delve into the historical context and poetic structure of Isaiah 12. Explore potential text-critical issues in the Masoretic Text versus the Septuagint for Psalm 92, and examine Philippians 4:4-7 for its implications on faith and anxiety. This will deepen your understanding of how each text uniquely articulates joy and salvation.

1. Praise for God's Salvation

Isaiah 12:1-2

Perhaps you could highlight the powerful imagery of trust and comfort in these verses, emphasizing how acknowledging our salvation in God evokes joy and thanksgiving. Through this lens, we see God's action as a foretelling of Christ's redemptive plan, encouraging believers to place their confidence in His promises despite life's uncertainties.

2. Proclaim His Name

Isaiah 12:3-6

You could delve into these verses, illustrating the theme of declaring God's mighty deeds through vibrant joy and praise. The call to 'proclaim His name' resonates with the Great Commission, drawing parallels to the joy of sharing Christ's salvation. This encourages believers to commemorate His faithfulness and share the joyous news actively.

3. Restful Rejoicing

Psalm 92

Maybe consider focusing on the Sabbath context of this psalm as a model for thanksgiving. Emphasize the joy that comes through reflecting on God's deeds, drawing parallels to resting in Christ and celebrating His righteousness. Highlight how this exuberant praise fortifies faith and brings peace even amid personal trials.

4. Rejoice and Find Peace

Philippians 4:4-7

Perhaps explore the practical exhortations to rejoice always, linking them to the peace that transcends understanding. Reflect on how casting anxieties onto God, with thanksgiving, aligns with trusting in Christ's peace-bringing sacrifice. Encourage believers to apply these principles amid worries, anchored in prayer and supplication.

5. Magnify the Lord's Greatness

Luke 1:46-55

Maybe compare Mary's Magnificat with the prophetic voices of Isaiah, as a model of humble praise in response to God's mighty acts. Highlight the Christ-centered joy in the anticipation of salvation, encouraging listeners to emulate Mary's faith and joy in their own redemption stories.