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The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me (v. 23, ESV).
Questions give life or bring destruction.
As a pastor, I’ve listened to those who questioned the Bible and the goodness of God but learned to trust — strengthening their faith.
I also watched many who didn’t recover from their questions. It became a false-thinking spirit that consumed their faith, leaving a doubtful shell of a once vibrant relationship with the Father.
Psalm 50 is about those who doubt the goodness of God.
Under the cover of “Why did He allow this?” the Israelites justified increasing rebellion against God. They proclaimed actions as righteous that were often the exact opposite of God’s law.
But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to recite my statutes or take my covenant on your lips? For you hate discipline, and you cast my words behind you” (vv. 16-17, ESV).
Psalm 50 begins by describing God as a righteous judge. Israel needed to understand that the glory of God also consumes evil …
Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire (vv. 2-3, ESV).
In today’s culture, we have many who challenge the Bible and the righteousness of God, along with progressing churches doubtful of God’s law — all founded upon questions.
A few days ago, I posted Interruption #1152 about A.W. Tozer. In that Interruption, I listed the quote below …
The believing man does not claim to understand. He falls to his knees and whispers, “God.” The man of earth kneels also, but not to worship. He kneels to examine, to search, to find the cause and the how of things.
Psalm 50 teaches thanksgiving as the antidote to doubt, fear, anxiety, and rebellion.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me (vv. 14-15, ESV).
When doubt leads to trusting and faithful thanksgiving, our faith in the goodness of God is secure. We will stand against the plots of a questioning evil one.
Verses 16 through 21 of Psalm 50 describe a people who justify thievery, honor adultery (and other forms of sexual sin), and slander and lie to promote their causes — while believing God is on their side.
Sounds like today. But God says …
These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you (v. 21, ESV).
Psalm 50 is a blessing and curse Psalm. It reveals the blessing of those who repent, trusting in God again, but also the judgments to follow a life of disobedience.
Let’s conclude with the final verse of Psalm 50 in the New Living Translation …
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.