The superscription of Psalm 92 reads, “A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath day.” It is one of the 116 different psalms that begin with a title. These superscriptions provide introductory notes about the text. Many are brief, giving only the author’s name or perhaps a musical notation for singing the psalm. Other titles are more detailed, describing a personal experience of the author that links with the subject of the psalm. We understand these titles to be part of the inspired Scriptures; in fact, some Bible translations join the title to the numbered verses of the psalm itself.

Psalm 92 was especially composed for the Sabbath day—the only Sabbath reference in all the Psalms. We can imagine observant Jewish men and women who have worked hard all week. Then comes the Sabbath, a day of rest, and they say, in effect, “Here’s something we can do today! Let’s rehearse the praises of the Most High.” Immediately they find joy by reviewing Jehovah’s daily lovingkindness and faithfulness (Ps. 92:2).

Then we read, “For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. O Lord, how great are Your works!” (vv. 4–5). This is a wonderful theme. The singers have spent the past week completing their tasks, occupied with this or that; but now, during the Sabbath rest, they are amazed by the great works God has been doing all along.

How often we need this perspective! We are prone to focus rather narrowly, even selfishly, on the little tasks the Lord may have given us, and we forget that there is a larger perspective. Our work means nothing, really, unless it is part of God’s divine project. The Christian era does not require a Sabbath-day observation, but how healthy it is to pause in our activity and ponder the all-surpassing works and wisdom of the Lord.