As the fire burns the woods, And as the flame sets the mountains on fire, 15 So pursue them with Your tempest, And frighten them with Your storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame, That they may seek Your name, O LORD. 17 Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, 18 That they may know that You, whose name alone [is] the LORD, [Are] the Most High over all the earth.
PSALM 83:14-18
THE CONVERSION OF MY ENEMIES
The Psalmist prays for His enemies. Most of this prayer is dedicated to their destruction and finding out just how wrong they are to defy the hand of God. He is comfortable asking for their total obliteration. It’s what they deserve. There isn’t a whole lot of hope and compassion to spare on enemies… is there?
Most of this Psalm calls for God to act so that the enemies see God is really who He says He is. He wants them to see just how much they have underestimated God. He wants them to bow a knee. He wants them to see God in all of His glory through justice and wrath. Yet in verse sixteen we get a rare glimpse at compassion in the midst of fiery condemnation. He calls for them to, “seek your name.” He calls for the conversion of his enemies.
It might have seemed impossible for the enemies of Israel in the Old Testament to convert to see the LORD as the one true God, yet here we see that prayer request issued. How awesome is God that he not only has the power to decimate his enemies, but that he has the power to convert them into his friends.
And that is what he has done through Jesus Christ. He has reconciled us to him through the cross. Just Read Romans 5:8-10 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
PRAYER
Father, How great you are. While I was a long way off… When I was dead in my trespasses and sin…. When I made myself your enemy… You loved me. Christ died for me. I was redeemed by the blood of the lamb and brought into your family. Thank you that you are the kind of God who transforms enemies into friends even in situations where it seems impossible. Today I lift up those who have made themselves enemies of you by their sin and ask for full and genuine repentance to take place in their lives. I ask for your grace to be poured out and multiplied. Let it go beyond what makes human sense so it is evident that it is a work of You Lord! You are worthy or all praise, honor, and glory. You are worthy of worship! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
A Psalm of Asaph. God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods. 2 How long will you judge unjustly, And show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy; Free [them] from the hand of the wicked. 5 They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. 6 I said, “You [are] gods, And all of you [are] children of the Most High. 7 But you shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.
PSALM 82:1-8
GOD HEARS THE CRY OF THE OPPRESSED
There are places in the world where those in charge of justice (judges, police officers, politicians, etc.) are not just. They may take bribes. They may extort others. They may turn a blind eye to oppressors. When they do so they leave many people in their wake crying out for justice that they never received. The unjust oppressors may even think of themselves as “gods” because the power they have to decide the fate of others. They may become consumed with power, leverage, and control. They may begin to think, “no one can touch me.” But they are wrong.
God sees everything, even those who pretend to be ‘gods’ and misuse and abuse their power. (Jesus applied this Psalm to the Jewish leaders in John 10:34). Those who have played the part of ‘gods’ but have failed to provide real justice will one day stand before the real judge (Psalm 82:8). God hears the prayers of orphans, widows, and strangers in the land and he will provide justice, even against those who were corrupt in their ruling.
As Christians we should seek to honor God and be just to all. We are called to help those who have real needs. In the west we live in a society that offers many helps to the poor, disadvantaged, and needy, but we still need to be careful that our heart doesn’t become calloused to those in need. If we aren’t careful we will rationalize our way out of helping anyone but ourselves. We should live to see Jesus’ kingdom come and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven and this includes taking care of the needs of those around us.
The blog article listed below is a good starting place for more resources on this issue.
Father, I live in an industrialized nation. We have many opportunities for which I am grateful. I confess that sometimes it makes it hard to really see the needs around us. We often try to cover, hide, or accuse those who are struggling with real issues of poverty that we don’t understand. Please give me your eyes when it comes to seeing those who have real needs my proximity. Give me wisdom to know how to really help people in vulnerable situations. I know that I was dead in my trespasses and sin before you brought me to life through Jesus Christ. I ask for grace on how to demonstrate your radical generosity in my own life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
1 To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell [between] the cherubim, shine forth! 2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, Stir up Your strength, And come [and] save us! 3 Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved! 4 O LORD God of hosts, How long will You be angry Against the prayer of Your people? 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, And given them tears to drink in great measure. 6 You have made us a strife to our neighbors, And our enemies laugh among themselves. 7 Restore us, O God of hosts;Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved! 8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it. 9 You prepared [room] for it, And caused it to take deep root, And it filled the land. 10 The hills were covered with its shadow, And the mighty cedars with its boughs. 11 She sent out her boughs to the Sea, And her branches to the River. 12 Why have You broken down her hedges, So that all who pass by the way pluck her [fruit]? 13 The boar out of the woods uproots it, And the wild beast of the field devours it. 14 Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see, And visit this vine 15 And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, And the branch [that] You made strong for Yourself. 16 [It is] burned with fire, [it is] cut down; They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance. 17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man [whom] You made strong for Yourself. 18 Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. 19 Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!
PSALM 80:1-19
REVIVE US AGAIN
We have a few trees and plants in our yard that have just run wild. When we moved in we didn’t know anything about them nor about how to care for them so they’re had 5 years to run in their own direction. They were a mess with branches running every which way, bugs, blight, and produced very few flowers or fruit. Our trees and plants were in need of some sort of revival. Leaving them to themselves didn’t provide an abundant carefree existence. It caused them to become eye sores, sickly, and overgrown. The sort of revival these trees/plants needed wouldn’t happen unless someone stepped in to care for them.
This year I did a little research on our trees/ plants, bought a few sharp instruments for cutting, and watched a few pruning masters at work. I stepped in and applied my new found skills on our trees and soon enough they all came roaring back to life in all the right places. (It was interesting to note that at first it looked like I had killed the trees because they were in such a drastic need of pruning, but later in the spring/ summer they all came to full blossom/fruit!)
In the same way the nation of Israel needed revival. It has run too long in it’s own direction! They need the Lord to step in if it will ever flourish again. Asaph calls out to God to send a man who will be that instrument of flourishing. One who God will use to revive a dying people and bring them back to a place of brilliance and worship.
We know that the Son of Man (v. 17) is Jesus! He is the only one who can bring flourishing back to floundering souls. He is the only one who can restore the hope of a broken down nation. He is the only one who can cause hope to shine in the darkest of nights.
Have you run too long in your own direction? Find yourself in need of revival? Come to Jesus today and ask him for revival in your life. Invite him to prune the things that distract you from following Him (Hebrews 12:1), immerse yourself in His word (Psalm 1:2-3), and draw near to God (James 4:8). Go back and do the things you did when you first fell in love with Jesus (Revelation 2:5).
PRAYER
Father, How often like sheep are we prone to run astray and in our own direction. We should know by now that when we run long in our own direction it never leads to true and lasting happiness or flourishing. Sin is always fun for a season, but the longer we live in it the more foul our lives become. We find ourselves in need of you and in constant need of revival. We pray that your hand of grace and mercy would be upon us and that you would call us to repentance. I am thankful that you have promised to never leave nor forsake those who belong to you for we need your constant hand of care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
7 That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments…
He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; And by His power He brought in the south wind. 27 He also rained meat on them like the dust, Feathered fowl like the sand of the seas; 28 And He let [them] fall in the midst of their camp, All around their dwellings. 29 So they ate and were well filled, For He gave them their own desire. 30 They were not deprived of their craving; But while their food [was] still in their mouths, 31 The wrath of God came against them, And slew the stoutest of them, And struck down the choice [men] of Israel.
PSALM 78:7, 26-31
GETTING WHAT YOU WANT CAN BE A CURSE
Remember the time when Israel was being set free from slavery and they complained to God that there wasn’t any meat on the menu (Numbers 11)? Then God gave them what they wanted in abundance but it seemed like once they had what they wanted it wasn’t enough and so God’s wrath was kindled against them! Asaph knew that story and he wanted to remind Israel of it in Psalm 78.
Sometimes we want, crave, or desire something more than we desire to obey God. Often what we crave won’t bring us the happiness that we long for, but will bring about hurt and pain. I remember days as a young alcoholic where I envisioned how wonderful life would be if I could just drink all day. Somehow in my brain damaged mind, I pictured the good life as one where I was drunk all the time… Praise God that he didn’t give me the desires of my heart back then!
Adam and Eve so desired the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil that they disobeyed God’s command. They got what they wanted, but then they got more than they bargained for and we have been plagued by the curse of sin ever since. God’s commands aren’t burdensome, they are protective. What God has forbidden, he has forbidden for our own good. It’s a curse when we finally grasp the things we think will make us happy apart from God.
Psalm 78 as a whole is the testimony of God’s grace to the nation of Israel. A reminder to parents to not let their children go blindly in to the world pursuing their own sinful desires but to teach the the law of God. The law that is God’s protection and provision. The law that points them to a savior and is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Father, Thank you for your incredible mercy and grace! You have been patient with me. I pray that I would delight myself in you! Guard me from complaining about your provision. Let me rejoice and be thankful for all things that come from your hand. Keep me from pursuing worthless things that do not satisfy. Let me be satisfied in you alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cried out to God with my voice–To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah 4 You hold my eyelids [open]; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? 8 Has His mercy ceased forever? Has [His] promise failed forevermore? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah 10 And I said, “This [is] my anguish; [But I will remember] the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, [is] in the sanctuary; Who [is] so great a God as [our] God? 14 You [are] the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. 15 You have with [Your] arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah 16 The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled. 17 The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about. 18 The voice of Your thunder [was] in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. 19 Your way [was] in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known. 20 You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.
PSALM 77:1-20
PRAYING IN THE DARK
NOTE: I’ve woven today’s prayer in the text of the devotional writing.
When we are born into this world, the very first thing we do is cry. As soon as we breath we are already offering a cry back to our Maker. It is safe to say that perhaps the first emotion we feel in this world is sadness. We are no longer next to the heartbeat of our mothers.
All of us in our lifetimes will experience sadness. There are moments that cause us grief. We feel lost and we feel loss. We feel depression. It is okay to feel sad. It is ok to grieve. It is okay to mourn. Sometimes it is even okay to complain. But We need to be careful how we do that.
In Psalm 77 Asaph shares his lament with us and I believe it offers us a healthy guide to vent our sadness to the Lord. Asaph says he cries out to God, so you know that he is sad. Yet even in his crying, he is confident that God will hear him. He knows that if he pours out his heart to God that God will listen…. But then it doesn’t seem like God is listening.
Have you ever been talking on the phone to someone and the other end is eerily quiet. You might even stop and ask, ”Hey are you there?” This is Asaph while he is talking to God. He is saying, “God I know you are there, but I feel like I’m having a hard time getting through tonight. I wonder if you are hearing me?” He has confidence, but he also has doubts.
Have you ever been so frustrated you didn’t know what to say… So sad, so mad, so upset, so unhappy and words can’t express it. Asaph amps up his search for God in all of this. He rehearses his bible stories. He knows about how God moved in the past. He reminds himself of who God is and how God interacts with his people.
Asaph has trouble sleeping because of the problems in his life, he remembers another time when he had no trouble staying awake, but it was to praise the Lord. God I sang your songs in the night. I didn’t want it to stop. I Didn’t want to let go. He remembers how close he was to the LORD and he is wondering where God is now? THE DOUBT And ANXIETY CREEPs IN. He asks a series of questions. The obvious answer to these questions is no, but this is what bubbles to the surface of his heart as he prays.
Here we might pause and say, “Can you say that to God?” I’d say, “Yes, he can take it.” God is big enough for our doubts and questions. The real problem is when we think these things but never give them a voice. When we struggle like this and never complain, as it were. We hold these thoughts in and only grow bitter and cold.
If we were going to pray behind Asaph here, we might say something like. “God I’m really trying to get to a better place between us. I’m doing the right things. I’m reading my bible. I’m praying. I’m singing songs about you, even when I don’t feel it… and that’s the problem. I don’t feel it. I feel like a phony and a fraud because part of me wonders if you are even listening? I know that in the bible you show up and you perform miracles. I have been close to you before. I thought you’d show up for me here as I’ve seen you show up before. What is wrong? Have you changed? Are you not who you said you are? Is it me? Have I angered you?”
Our personal experiences with God isn’t enough. We must build our prayers and our life on a surer foundation. We must have the word of God. our feelings fade, they betray us. We are not always right in how we feel.
Asaph doesn’t stay content to complain for long. He knows the answers to his questions. He knows that God has not changed. So he goes back and says that he will remember the works of the LORD. He notes specific attributes of God that he continues to see in the scripture. He is reminded that God is holy, God is all powerful, and God redeems his people.
Holy -God is perfect. Morally pure. There is no hint of error in all of his ways.
God is all powerful – There isn’t anything that God can’t do if He determined to do it. God can do what He wants, He is God. He could have done something different.
God redeems – God delivered His people time and time again. He uses the illustration of Jacob and Joseph. Both are men in history of the nation of Israel who found themselves in trouble time and again and the Lord brought them through. He delivered them. He redeemed them…. Maybe too this is where we get a glimpse of Asaph’s trouble. He calls out a father and a son. A father who mourned the loss of his son for decades thinking he was dead (Genesis 37:35).
LORD, I have no course but to consider that you are holy. There is no error in you. You know what you are doing. I must confess that you are all powerful and that you can do what you want. I also know that you are one who redeemed his people. Your heart towards me is one of redemption. So as hard as it is, I defer to you. You know what you are doing even when we cant see it.
Asaph remembers how God delivered Israel from Egypt. Israel didn’t go around the sea. They didn’t go over the sea. They didn’t stay and fight off the enemy. When all was thought to be lost, God took them through the sea! Those who were there could look and see the clouds, they could feel the rain, see the lightning, hear the thunder, anticipate the whirl wind, feel the earth shaking under their feet, and even while they didn’t see God… they knew he was there!
There was another moment like that has come since the time of Asaph. The devil was winning the battle.
Jesus was betrayed by one of his close friends.
The disciples abandoned Him.
The soldiers mocked Him.
Witnesses lied about Him.
They marched Jesus, naked down the streets of Jerusalem.
They beat Him and whipped Him.
They made Him carry a cross.
They hung Him on the cross.
Passers by mocked Him.
Even one of the thieves dying next to Him mocked Him.
They spit on Him.
He was in pain and agony.
Jesus even cried, “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” from the cross!
It looked like all was lost. It didn’t look like God was working. It didn’t look like God was moving. God couldn’t be seen. God was silent. Heaven was quiet. There wasn’t an answer. Many asked and questioned… God how could you do this? Surely you could stop it? Surely you could do something?
But was God really not there? No wait! He was! He was there all the time! His way was through the cross! Just when we would have been ready to accuse him of abandoning his people he was delivering them.
Even though God wasn’t visibly present he was leading his people like a good shepherd leads his sheep… And this is where it ends! It ends in faith!
Why didn’t Asaph just tell us to have faith? Because faith, real faith, isn’t the kind of thing that is conjured up. It’s the kind of thing that is worked out based on reality. It isn’t a leap in the dark. It’s a leap in the light to greater light. Trust God, because you have good reason.
So how do we pray this psalm now?
We pray… God I don’t know what you are doing? I feel lost. I feel like you are absent. I don’t feel your love right now. I know that you love me. I know that you care. I know that you are often moving in ways that I cannot see or feel. I can’t imagine how you might be working in my life in this moment, but I trust you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. In Judah God [is] known; His name [is] great in Israel. 2 In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion. 3 There He broke the arrows of the bow, The shield and sword of battle. Selah 4 You [are] more glorious and excellent [Than] the mountains of prey. 5 The stouthearted were plundered; They have sunk into their sleep; And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands. 6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep. 7 You, Yourself, [are] to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry? 8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still, 9 When God arose to judgment, To deliver all the oppressed of the earth. Selah 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself. 11 Make vows to the LORD your God, and pay [them]; Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared. 12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes; [He is] awesome to the kings of the earth.
PSALM 76:1-12
THE GOD WHO FIGHTS FOR US
I love the account of Judges chapter 4-5. I won’t recount it all like I did here, but I’ll give you the highlights. The people come into the land of Canaan but they don’t really take it over like they are suppose to because the people of the valleys have the superior weaponry know as chariots. Then finally Deborah tells Barak to get ready for Battle and even though Sisera has the superior technology of chariots everyone gets ready to fight. Then it’s hinted at in chapter 5 that God comes and fights the battle…
what does he do? how does he show up? He sends a thunderstorm that muddies the watershed in the valley and the chariots get stuck! The superior technology of chariots completely backfire and become liabilities. Israel get’s the victory and God get’s the glory!
And you know, it’s not the only time he did it. The Old Testament is filled with accounts of how God fought for His people! The entire Egyptian army, the supper power of the day, drown chasing the Israelites through the Red Sea! The Assyrian Army turned on itself and fled during the middle of the night when the angel of the Lord walked through. Story after story, testimony after testimony of how God fought the battle and won victory for His people.
We need praise like this! We need songs that remind us that it is God who fights for us. Sometimes we don’t take the Lord into the equation at all. We estimate how we can do something or accomplish something and we don’t trust in the Lord. We need to be reminded that from saving our necks to saving our souls the Lord has always fought for His people. We should not be afraid to trust Him when things get serious, but rather we should trust Him all the more. This is when his work is seen most clearly. We simply need to trust him and take him at his word. So easy to say, so hard to do sometimes.
PRAYER
Father, Thank you for your incredible grace and mercy that have been multiplied in my life. How quick I am to forget that you are the one who fights for me. You went to the cross for my sin! I am redeemed by you and for your glory! As I pray over my day I ask that I would be aware of your grace in my life. I confess that too often I have taken your grace for granted. Let your praise be on my lips all day long as I recount of how you saved me and directed my steps. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare [that] Your name is near. 2 “When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly. 3 The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly.Selah 4 “I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’ And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn. 5 Do not lift up your horn on high; Do [not] speak with a stiff neck.’ ” 6 For exaltation [comes] neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God [is] the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another. 8 For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain [and] drink down. 9 But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, [But] the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.”
PSALM 75:1-10
THE CUP OF GOD’S WRATH
Some Psalms are Messianic Psalms in the fact that they prophesy about the first coming of Christ. Some Psalms, like this one, look even further down the time line to Christ’s immanent return. When He comes in power and judgement to usher in a New Heaven’s, New Earth, and a New Jerusalem where justice reigns and the curse of sin is no longer found.
That all happens according to God’s time table, not ours. Sometimes it is difficult for us to grasp why God is patient. It’s so hard to simply and actively wait on the Lord. We can mistake His patience as a lack of concern for all the evil in the world. We want God to act and move swiftly to right all the wrongs and to ring the bells of justice now. We long to see the wrongs righted. Yet, we wait upon the Lord and His timing because His patience has a purpose, “The Lord is not slack concerning [His] promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance(2 Peter 3:9).
But one day, His patience will come to an end and His justice will flow. There will be no time in that time to find repentance. Only those who come through Christ will escape the wrath of God that will be poured out. This is often referred to as “the cup of God’s wrath” or “wine of God’s wrath.”
The urgent message that every believer in believes and proclaims is that, “Jesus drank the cup of God’s Wrath so you don’t have to. Those who have come to Him in repentance receive forgiveness and have eternal life!” Indeed, read how the gospel writer Matthew wrote about Jesus’ prayer in the garden on the eve of his crucifixion: “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You [will].” … Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done“(Matthew 36:39, 42).
Yet when God’s patience comes to an end. Jesus will step up and open the scroll mentioned in Revelation and the judgements and justice of God will roll and three times in the book of Revelation we will read hear about the cut of God’s wrath:
Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives [his] mark on his forehead or on his hand, “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
…Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
… “Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her”
– Revelation 14:9-10, 16:19, 18:6
Only those in Christ will escape the wrath of God for he has paid the penalty for our sin. We will be washed clean from our impurities and dressed in the righteous robes of Christ.
On a side note: We often don’t grasp what this wrath of God is. We might be tempted to think that its just His anger being poured out, or maybe it’s like a chaotic and emotional tirade, or maybe like a bowl of molten lava… but God’s wrath isn’t illogical, out of control, or just tangible heat, it’s far worse than that! The wrath of God is the absence of His love. It’s abandonment. It’s leaving you in your sin. There is no more umbrella of common grace. The wrath of God is the grace, love, mercy, kindness, hope, etc. of God removed. He will not spare you anymore.
PRAYER
Father, How great and terrible will the day be when your wrath is revealed against all those who have rejected You. Part of me longs for the day when you usher in a New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem, the other part of me is holy terror for the great revelation of your wrath that must come at that time. I am grateful for your patience that lead me to repentance and trust that in your sovereignty you will act at the exact right time. I am grateful for Jesus Christ who took on the wrath that I was due so that I might experience your grace, mercy, and kindness. I pray that I would be fervent to tell others about your grace and mercy today so that they too might find salvation in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? 11 Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? [Take it] out of Your bosom and destroy [them]. 12 For God [is] my King from of old, Working salvation in the midst of the earth. 13 You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the sea serpents in the waters. 14 You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces, [And] gave him [as] food to the people inhabiting the wilderness. 15 You broke open the fountain and the flood; You dried up mighty rivers. 16 The day [is] Yours, the night also [is] Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun. 17 You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter. 18 Remember this, [that] the enemy has reproached, O LORD, And [that] a foolish people has blasphemed Your name. 19 Oh, do not deliver the life of Your turtledove to the wild beast! Do not forget the life of Your poor forever. 20 Have respect to the covenant; For the dark places of the earth are full of the haunts of cruelty. 21 Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed! Let the poor and needy praise Your name. 22 Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; Remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. 23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; The tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually.
PSALM 74:10-23
A PRAYER OF FAITH IN THE MIDST OF HARD TIMES
There is a prosperity gospel out there that is no gospel at all. It tells you that God wants you healthy, wealthy, and independent. The proponents voice that all you need to do is to “name it and claim it” in Jesus name. If you have enough faith you will be healed or “financially” healed, etc. They day God wants you to live your best life now…. And while I understand that there is a measure of truthfulness in the sentiment that life with Jesus is better than life without him, but what this false gospel of prosperity often fails to take into account is that God’s purpose is greater than than just our comfort or material needs in a sinful world. Indeed, He promises one day to remove sin from the world in a new heavens and a new earth and you can’t tell me that life with sin on this earth is better than eternity where the curse is undone!
The Psalmist writes his lament about things he saw happen that he never thought would happen. The temple was destroyed. God’s people were taken into captivity. It’s not a name it and claim it kind of moment. Everyone is mourning the loss of someone they know. Everyone is mourning the loss of their nation, the loss of their identity, and the loss of a place that was the center for worshipping God. The feeling in the air is one of being deflated. How do they possibly move on from here? How do they go, grow, and prosper after such a horrible devastation.
Praise God that his gospel is bigger than just health and wealth for a fallen world. Praise God that he is moving even in the hard times. Praise God that he hears our prayers and tears of brokenness. Praise God that we can call out to him with real and raw emotion because that is exactly what the psalmist does here. He laments just how broken and fractured his world is. He doesn’t blame God, he knows the sins of his nation have lead them to this point, but he does ask God how long until they will be restored.
Indeed in the very presence of devastation, in the middle of his prayer there is a sense of holy discontentment. That discontentment is expressed in the reality that God is not through yet. His promises still remain. There is a dissonance that we feel in the middle of brokenness while holding on to the promises of eternal holiness. While the psalmist is walking through the rubble, he already knows the promises of God and so he cries out in faith! Faith that God will accomplish all that he said he would, faith that takes God’s promises to the bank and asks for action, faith that acknowledges sorrow in the present, but also joy for tomorrow. Romans 8:28 faith. Genesis 50:20 Faith. Faith.
PRAYER
Father, No matter how dark the night, we wait for the dawning of a new day knowing that you have promised us, a new heart, a new life, a new body, a new heavens, and a new earth. All things new! We know that what is broken by sin must be healed and redeemed. We are reminded that while we live in a fallen world there will be brokenness and that brokenness will hurt. It seems almost unbearable on some days. We hold to our confidence in you to bring all things to a rightful conclusion in Jesus Christ. We hold to your word, to your promises, to your abundant life even in the midst of trials and travails. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I [was] envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For [there are] no pangs in their death, But their strength [is] firm. 5 They [are] not in trouble [as other] men, Nor are they plagued like [other] men. 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them [like] a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly [concerning] oppression; They speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. … 23 Nevertheless I [am] continually with You; You hold [me] by my right hand. 24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me [to] glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven [but You]? And [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; [But] God [is] the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. 28 But [it is] good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.
PSALM 73:1-9, 23-28
I AM PRONE TO ENVY
I went on a vacation a few years ago at the beach. We checked into a nice condo. Everywhere I looked I saw nice cars and nice boats. We ran into some people who lived at the condo (part time) and I overheard them talking about how many nice things they had, nice dinners they ate, and the people they got to hang out with. I couldn’t help but hear about how they talked about all the folks who didn’t have what they had. Somewhere in the middle of their life of comfort and ease they had begun to think that they were self-made. I confess, before that trip I thought my life was pretty great, but then, even in the middle of a pretty great vacation I found myself becoming miserable. Especially when I internalized that I must have spent my life pursuing the “wrong things” because I didn’t have much to “show for it.”
Asaph confesses in this psalm that he struggled with the same ideas (Has the world really changed that much). He knew that God was good and that God was good to him, but when he let his heart be tempted towards envy he found himself in a bad place. He was also bothered that folks had taken the blessing of God for granted and appropriated it as their own effort or work… but can we really blame them? Do we not often do the same thing? How often do we thank God for the blessings we take for granted? I’ll be honest and say that sometimes I don’t recognize the blessings God has given me until they go missing? Like a healthy heart, etc.
What is the remedy for an envious heart? What is the remedy when we so clearly see the sins of God-forgetfulness in others who want to take pride in their position as if they had accomplished anything without God’s grace? It’s God! It’s pressing into the Lord and counting what you do have. It’s going back and doing the algebra of thankfulness. Gratitude in God combats envy all day long. It’s counting your blessings and naming them one by one and oh by the way don’t forget the biggest blessing of a real and right relationship with God himself!
Don’t miss it, Asaph has a lot to say in this whole Psalm! When God is all you have, you have everything you need. When stuff is all you have, stuff won’t last and you will find yourself boasting in emptiness. There is a day coming when what we believe and where we have put all our confidence will be made clear. On that day it is far better to have nothing this world has to offer and a relationship with Jesus than it is to have everything this world has to offer and not have Jesus.
So everyday, choose to count what you do have, not what you don’t have. Choose to be grateful not hateful. Choose contentment over envy. For it’s in contentment where joy is found not the seeming success or stuff of others. Some days we just need to adjust our attitude for gratitude.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for your incredible mercy and grace! You have been better to me than I have ever deserved. I confess that Along with Asaph I am prone to slip on Envy. I often see what others have and wonder that I might be missing some sort of blessing. Help me to recognize it as the same sin that caused Adam and Eve to eat the fruit. They lusted, coveted, wanted, and envied and here I am so many generations later still a product of the fall. I pray that you would let me find contentment in you! You are the give of good gifts. Help me to even recognize the many you have already blessed me with just by knowing you as my Lord. Guard my heart from envy, I want to honor you in all things! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
[A Psalm] of Solomon. Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king’s Son. 2 He will judge Your people with righteousness, And Your poor with justice. 3 The mountains will bring peace to the people, And the little hills, by righteousness. 4 He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor. 5 They shall fear You As long as the sun and moon endure, Throughout all generations. 6 He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, Like showers [that] water the earth. 7 In His days the righteous shall flourish, And abundance of peace, Until the moon is no more.
PSALM 72:1-7
A GOOD GOVENMENT
I’ve been a few places outside of the United States and seen how a few different countries are governed. Sometimes the people have a voice in who will be the president or leader, other times they have no real voice. I’ve witnessed poverty in lots of places. Sometimes that poverty was caused by injustice that was unaddressed by the “rulers” and in some instances it was even caused by the “rulers.” Such instances should cause us to pause and consider what is a “good government?” Even in America there is turmoil and strife over how our country is run and for those who cry out for justice. It only makes it more evident that we live in a fallen world.
Solomon writes this Psalm calling out to God to bless him to be a good leader and ruler of his people. He doesn’t have a small job, it’s a big one. He is the first in the Davidic line of kings behind his father David. He wants to judge justly. He wants to honor God as king. And as we read through the scriptures we notice that he does several things right… but then we also note that he does several things wrong or not as rightly/ fully as he should. (It’s easy to see his mistakes from the outside, but I wonder how he felt when he was making them?)
The truth of the matter is that Solomon was a good king, but the end of his Reign not only had he built the temple to God, but he had build several places for idol worship in the land of Israel. We see he was wise and just, but he also had oppressed and perhaps overworked the people of the northern ten tribes to the point that they are willing to rebel when his son takes over.
We marvel at the Davidic line. How can someone who is said to be a man after God’s heart go an commit adultery and kill another man? How can a man be called the wisest man who ever lived and yet be at the center of rampant idolatry worship in Israel? We could probably say similar things about the people who have held office in our cities, states, and nations. We need a better leaders. We don’t just need sometimes godly leaders, we need God as our leader…. Enter Jesus Christ.
I’m convinced that our complaints of injustice can only be met when Jesus is king. Indeed we are taught to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come.” We are recognizing that as good as our politicians and leaders might be in their own generation, there is only truly ever good king and his name is Jesus. Only He can deliver us from sin, and death. He is the one who can undue the curse.
PRAYER
Father, Your kingdom come. Your will be done. I am asking for good and godly leaders for our nation. I am grateful for so much that has transpired recently in my nation with the supreme court. While I ask for your blessing on our leaders and for your will to be done and executed through good and godly politicians who would seek after you, I also know that no one will be as good for the world as Jesus. So I look to you and pray that in your timing, your kingdom would come, and those in Christ would be ready. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.
The Hill House 