Psalm 76 - Wrath

Psalm 76:1-12 NIV

God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great. 

His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion. 

There he broke the flashing arrows,

 the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. 

You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. 

The valiant lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep;

 not one of the warriors can lift his hands. 

At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still. 

It is you alone who are to be feared. 

Who can stand before you when you are angry? 

From heaven you pronounced judgment,

 and the land feared and was quiet—

 when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. 

Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,

 and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. 

Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them;

 let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared. 

He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.

Psalm 76 is odd to contemporary readers. The talk of God's wrath and the value of fearing God seem bizarre and uninviting. But for ancient people fear of the gods was a normal aspect to life and worship.

Theologians have written much on the topic of wrath and fear. I have come to understand wrath as the feeling of being out of sorts with God. When we experience wrath we sense divine disapproval. We feel anxious, sad, and even afraid. We may become angry because we don't like the feeling of estrangement. There's a heavy weight within.

Of course we can repent and wrath is replaced by peace. Our hearts feel in harmony with God. Fear of God then is a healthy thing. We have learned by experience the unpleasant experience of wrath and we know there's a better way to go through life, living at peace with God and others. Fear then gives us a healthy regard for our Creator. Fear moves us to turn from wayward living and toward obedience to God's good and perfect will, toward life and blessing.

I always tell people to think of breathing pure oxygen. It would burn your lungs and kill you. Therefore we must handle it will special care so that no harm comes to anyone. The law of God gives clear guidelines on how to minister before the Lord. When these were followed the people were safe before the holiness of God. When they had no regard for these precautions people died in the presence of the Holy One.

As the psalm says God is the only one to be feared. You need not fear the enemies of God nor the wicked schemes of man. The Lord reigns. So join in worship. Acknowledge His majesty. Yield to His will and offer God your life, love and obedience.