Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 5: Psalms 81–101

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Psalm 92 with Augustine – Gratitude in All Circumstances

Let no Christian hope for present blessings or promise themselves the happiness of the world, because they are a Christian, but let them use the happiness they have. When it is present, let them give thanks for the consolation of God. When it is lacking, let them give thanks to the divine justice. Let them always be grateful to the Father, who soothes and caresses them, and grateful to their Father when he punishes and teaches. God always acts in love, whether he caresses or threatens. Let them say: It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High (v. 1). The righteous will flourish . . . in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green (vv. 12–13). Do not be seduced by the prosperity of the wicked. Do not admire the flower of grass. Do not admire those who are only happy for a season, but miserable for eternity. If you wish to flourish like a tree, and not to wither like grass when the sun is hot, what will you declare? The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him (v. 15). How can there be no unrighteousness? One person commits major sins; he is well, he has children, a large house, pride, and honors; another person, innocent, attending to his own affairs, not robbing, doing nothing against anyone, suffers in chains, in prison, tosses and sighs in poverty. How is it that there is no unrighteousness in God? Is this not unfair? Because God is eternal, for the present he spares the bad, bringing them to repentance. Meanwhile he punishes the good, instructing them in the way to the kingdom of heaven. Fear not. The evil man will