Psalms 92 - 94

Click HERE to read the passage.

I think most people have the idea that they are essentially "good" people at heart. In fact, I heard someone on the news the other day mention, "Essentially man is good at heart." Really? Is that true? Well...you and I both know that's not true. There are murderers, pathological liars, serial rapists, drug lords who kill at the drop of a hat, sex traffickers, etc.

Years ago, I read the story about one of Chicago's most wanted fugitives back in the early 1900's. He had killed, robbed, and shot police. Eventually, this killer found himself in a stand off with police. As he laid low after being shot in the side by a cop's bullet, just before he died he scribbled a note in blood that read, "Here lies a man who has a good heart. One who wishes no one any harm."

In spite of the fact that even killers often think they're good in spite of the things they've done, the Bible teaches that man is essentially wicked - tainted by sin.

So, what defines a good person?

Well, in chapter 93 we find the answer!

Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, King David writes down what a good person does the following:

1) Give thanks to the Lord!
2) Praises God!
3) Delights in God's Love!
4) Praises Him for His faithfulness!
5) Praises God with his talents...such as with singing or an instrument!
6) Rejoices in God's works!

Why would a good person do this?  Because they understand life in the light of eternity. They invite the Lord into their lives and through the help of the Holy Spirit have a desire to glorify Him in everything.

David also reminds us of the two paths in life - the wicked path and the righteous path. And, he gives advice for those who choose the wicked path - they may flourish for a period of time but in the end they will be "scattered" and "perish."  But for those who choose the righteous path, they will flourish in God's time, grow in knowledge of Him, and bear spiritual fruit that pleases God.

As we move to Chapter 93, we see 5 things that King David says to describe God:

1. He's clothed in majesty!
2) He's clothed in strength!
3) He's eternal!
4) He speaks only the Truth!
5) He's adorned on His throne in Holiness!

Then in Chapter 94, we learn who the wicked really are and what they do:

1) They speak terrible things.
2) They like to exhibit pride
3) They afflict and belittle those who follow God
4) They do terrible things
5) They think God doesn't see any of this!

All of which causes David to describe these wicked people as senseless, foolish, and spiritually blind to reality.

So...when these wicked people rise up to speak and do terrible things what should we as Christians do?

David says we ought to:

1) Rise up against them.
2) Stand against their evil ways.
3) Rely on God's mercy to help us as we stand against them.
4) Rest in God's peace that He will use us and help us as we stand against the wicked!

Wow!  David gives us A LOT of instruction in these 3 short chapters. 

So, how would you describe yourself?  Are you a "good" person?