Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 4: Psalms 60–80

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Psalm 66 with Augustine – Enduring Trials by Hating Sin

For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver (v. 10). You have not burned us like hay, but like silver. By applying fire to us, you have not turned us into ashes, but washed off uncleanness. And see how God expresses anger with those whose soul he has brought to life. You brought us into a prison (v. 11), not so we would be caught and die, but so we would be tried and delivered from it. And laid burdens on our backs. For having been lifted up to no good purpose, we were bowed down in order to be lifted up for good. You let people ride over our heads (v. 12). All these things the Church has suffered in various persecutions: Her individual members have suffered this; they suffer it even now. For there is not one who in this life is exempt from these trials. And it is a good thing to consider ourselves to be sinners, and thus endure those set over our heads: in order that we may confess to God that we deserve to suffer. For why do you angrily suffer what is done by one who is just? God seems to be angry when he does these things, but do not fear, for he is a Father. He is never angry enough to destroy. These tribulations are the rods of his correction, so that he does not need to punish us further. How sweet tribulation often is, how necessary! If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (v. 18). Judge yourself. Look into the hidden chamber of your heart, where you and he who sees are alone. Let sin be displeasing to you, in order that you may be pleasing to God. Do not love it, but rather despise