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.

Psalm 75 - Strength

Psalm 75:1-3, 5-7, 9-10 NIV

We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near;

 people tell of your wonderful deeds. 

You say, “I choose the appointed time;

 it is I who judge with equity. 

When the earth and all its people quake,

 it is I who hold its pillars firm.

Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.

 No one from the east or the west

 or from the desert can exalt themselves. 

It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

As for me, I will declare this forever;

 I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, who says,

 “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,

  but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

Psalm 75! I am halfway through the book of Psalms today. A friend of mine suggested I am not accurate because Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is yet to come. Still I celebrate.

Psalm 75 uses the imagery of horns to depict strength. To raise up a horn is to raise one's force. In the case of nations it's military strength. In the case of individuals I tend to think of inner strength, one's will, which can be raised for good or evil.

The psalm declares God as the sovereign who governs this earth. Leaders rise and fall. The view of the Bible is that God decides who and when. Whether you embrace this view or not you can't ignore the strength that faith in God's good governance gives to those who hold the conviction.

The psalm says God holds the world steady when we're all shaking. (Psalm 75:3) The Name of the Lord is near, meaning God's sovereign authority is at hand. The faithful take delight in God's righteous administration. They believe it pointless to defy the Lord. The righteous will be strengthened and the wicked weakened.

Consider what a worldview with a benevolent and righteous God reigning might do for your strength.

Psalm 74 - Suffering Beautiful

Psalm 74:1-3, 7, 9-13, 16-17, 20-22 NIV

O God, why have you rejected us forever? 

Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? 

Remember the nation you purchased long ago, 

 the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—

 Mount Zion, where you dwelt. 

Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins,

 all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary. 

They burned your sanctuary to the ground;

 they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.

We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left,

 and none of us knows how long this will be. 

How long will the enemy mock you, God? 

Will the foe revile your name forever? 

Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? 

Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

But God is my King from long ago;

 he brings salvation on the earth. 

It was you who split open the sea by your power;

 you broke the heads of the monster in the waters. 

The day is yours, and yours also the night;

 you established the sun and moon. 

It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;

 you made both summer and winter.

Have regard for your covenant,

 because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land. 

Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;

 may the poor and needy praise your name. 

Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;

 remember how fools mock you all day long.

Psalm 74 is a cry for deliverance from exile among the Babylonians. In 586 B.C. the armies of King Nebuchadnezzar sacked Jerusalem and burned down the temple. They hauled the nobles away. They took the king and his sons away. They left only the miserable poor behind. The land was decimated and the government under the sons of David was utterly thrown into disgrace.

The psalm asks the God of the covenant why He has not roused to punish the enemy. What the psalm does not acknowledge is the fact that Israel did not keep their part of the covenant faithfully. They worshiped the gods of other peoples. They engaged in the services of shrine prostitutes, both female and male. They sacrificed to false gods and idols. They even burned their children to seek the favor of Chemosh the pagan god of the Moabites. Of course God is not moving to rescue them from despair. God was quite clear about the blessings and curses of the covenant. The exile is the natural consequence for a wayward nation.

But God is not abandoning Israel. God is refining them through the fire of national shame and suffering. Israel came out of the exile strongly convicted that strict adherence to the law of Moses was essential for their future survival. They understood anew through the messages God sent through prophets that they had a mission to be light to the gentiles by maintaining holiness.

And so the psalmist acknowledges God as creator. He knows God shaped the world. He knows God will shape Israel and the Babylonians. In time God sent Persia to conquer Babylon. The Persians released the exiled Hebrews and the royal treasury funded the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem.

Psalm 74 is a snapshot of faith being tested. Let the rest of the story inform us. God is at work even when we cannot see it. God works His will to bless the world with the knowledge of God. He is ever faithful. We can wait in hope and by waiting hope transforms suffering into something beautifully useful.

Psalm 73 - Envy

Psalm 73:1-6, 12-18, 21-26 NIV

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;

 I had nearly lost my foothold. 

For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 

They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 

They are free from common human burdens;

 they are not plagued by human ills. 

Therefore pride is their necklace;

 they clothe themselves with violence. 

This is what the wicked are like—

always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure

 and have washed my hands in innocence. 

All day long I have been afflicted,

 and every morning brings new punishments. 

If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children.

When I tried to understand all this,

 it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God;

 then I understood their final destiny. 

Surely you place them on slippery ground;

 you cast them down to ruin.

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 

I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 

You guide me with your counsel,

 and afterward you will take me into glory. 

Whom have I in heaven but you? 

And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 

My flesh and my heart may fail,

 but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73 begins book 3 of the collection of psalms in the bible. This psalm portrays one who envied the wealthy. He feels his station in life is unfair. Why do they prosper without a care in the world while each day is a challenge for him?

He begins to wonder to himself what good is His faith? What benefit does he receive by obeying God's covenant? Then he confesses how damaging it would have been to vocalize these thoughts. What changed his heart? Worship changed him!

He entered the temple of the living God and his anxious heart melted before the glory of the Lord. The majesty of God and the impenetrable depth of His love outweigh the momentary trials we endure.

As the apostle Paul wrote,

Romans 8:18 NIV

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

He speaks of the resurrection and eternal riches with God forever. The promises of God are worth your wait and certainly worth your obedience.

Join the gathering to worship the living God and your heart will replace bitterness that makes you like a brute animal with wonder and joy in the presence of the Almighty.

Psalm 72 - Hope Filled Future

Psalm 72:1-5, 12-15, 17, 20 NIV

Endow the king with your justice, O God,

 the royal son with your righteousness. 

May he judge your people in righteousness,

 your afflicted ones with justice. 

May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,

 the hills the fruit of righteousness. 

May he defend the afflicted among the people

 and save the children of the needy;

 may he crush the oppressor.

May he endure as long as the sun,

 as long as the moon, through all generations.

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,

 the afflicted who have no one to help. 

He will take pity on the weak and the needy

 and save the needy from death. 

He will rescue them from oppression and violence,

 for precious is their blood in his sight.

Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. 

May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long. 

May his name endure forever;

 may it continue as long as the sun.

Then all nations will be blessed through him,

 and they will call him blessed.

This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.

Psalm 72 is the last psalm attributed to King David. The scripture even makes a note of it in verse 20. The psalm is an intercession for the king for the sake of Israel.

The psalm entreats the Lord to grant the king righteousness that he might rule the people with justice. The psalm asks for prosperity for the land and its inhabitants. With righteousness the king will rule with concern for all Israel. The poor and afflicted will not be left out. Their needs will be attended to by the king.

Such a king will be a blessing to Israel and to the name of the Lord. God is trusted to defend the nation against all enemies as the Lord rides out with Israel's armies. Justice shall reign and the weak shall no longer be prey for the violent and the greedy. The king shall protect them and rescue them that are in peril.

It's a beautiful picture of an idealized theocracy. Blessing goes from God to the king, from the king to the people, and from the people of Israel to the whole world. Such a society will be a blessing to all the peoples of the earth.

The psalm is depicting Israel's understanding of their covenant relationship with God. If the king obeys the covenant and leads the people to keep all God's laws and religious observances, God will dwell among the people. God's presence means blessing. They are blessed with God's right ways through keeping the law. They are blessed with prosperity and protection.

As the nation thrives they are a light to all the rest. The prophet's vision is that all nations will come streaming into Jerusalem bringing gifts to honor the God of Israel. This psalm seeks the fulfillment of such a vision of the future.

It's fitting to end this section with an eye toward a hope filled future. The Holy Bible ends with Revelation, a powerful vision of the ultimate triumph of God and those who love Him.

As we prepare to elect a new president and fill other political offices, let us remember to pray for them in accordance with God's vision for the world. It is a vision of one great human family united in Christ. May God endow them with righteousness and justice, with compassion and courage.

Maranatha! COME LORD JESUS!

Psalm 71 - Life Long Worshiper

Psalm 71:1-3, 6-8, 12-14, 18-20 NIV

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. 

In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;

 turn your ear to me and save me. 

Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;

 give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

From birth I have relied on you;

 you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. 

I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many;

 you are my strong refuge. 

My mouth is filled with your praise,

 declaring your splendor all day long.

Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. 

May my accusers perish in shame;

 may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. 

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. 

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God,

 till I declare your power to the next generation,

 your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,

 you who have done great things. 

Who is like you, God? 

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,

 you will restore my life again;

 from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

Psalm 71 is remarkable. Not only does it reflect a worshiper's deep confidence in the Lord's faithfulness, this confidence extends beyond the grave. There are few Old Testament passages that speak of any kind of life after death. It could simply be hyperbolic poetry, overstating the case, but as a Christian I certainly see hope in resurrection in the psalm.

"you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." (Psalm 71:20)

I also love the idea in verse 3.

"Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go"

The strength I take from the thought that Jesus, my rock, is always there as a safe refuge is wonderfully powerful.

This psalm displays the heart of a life long worshipper. He has known God through the faith community since infancy. He has learned the value of praise. He sees himself as a positive sign to others testifying to the faithfulness of God. He wants to praise God forever, to always be included in the worshiping community, even when he is old and gray.

While his enemies will surely fall away in disgrace for persecuting one of God's chosen, he expects to praise the Lord more and more.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. (Psalm 71:14)

How's your worship? Allow this psalm to stir up hope and fill your mouth with praise. May your life become a sign to others pointing to the faithful love of God.

Psalm 70 - Save Me; Stop Them

Psalm 70:1-5 NIV

Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord , to help me. 

May those who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion;

 may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 

May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. 

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;

 may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” 

But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. 

You are my help and my deliverer; Lord , do not delay.

Psalm 70 is a prayer with two basic requests: save me and stop them. The psalmist seeks help from God in the face of those who wish his downfall. He pays for himself and all who trust in God. He asks God to shame and disgrace his enemies.

It's a simple prayer that says what many other psalms take much longer to say. But I want to know is how can a Christian pray this prayer or any prayer that wishes ill upon another person, enemy or otherwise. Jesus told us to pray for those who persecute us and to love our enemies. We are to return evil with good, not seek retribution.
The psalms have always been difficult for Christians for this very reason. But here are these sentiments on holy scripture preserved and read by Christians and Jews alike.

It might be helpful to acknowledge these prayers are before a God the Hebrews trust to exact justice and to keep His faithful people as God has promised. The expression of anger is offered in petitions for justice. How They want to see justice is for the tables to turn on their enemies.

Consider bringing your anger to God through prayer and then, releasing any expectation to carry out punishment yourself, trust the Lord to be just. Retribution is not the highest form of justice. Restoration of relationship is.

Therefore bring your anger to God. Use the psalms to find your voice and express the depths of your emotions. Then forgive. Do your part in restoring peace by letting go of the desire to get even. Trust God alone to exact justice in whatever form God decides appropriate.

Psalm 70:4 NIV

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; 

may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”