June 9, 2019
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Psalms? Here’s today’s reading:
Psalm 74 (ESV)
O God, why do you cast us off forever?
Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old,
which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!
Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.
3 Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;
the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!......Continue Reading
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Psalm 74………. There are methods to the madness, and God has reasons for his purpose. This passage highlights for me that events occur or do not occur according to his will!!! Because we as broken humans see things in a flawed fashion and should not expect Gods actions to mirror how we feel about situations we encounter.
How sad it is to be in a situation where you think God has abandoned you, especially thinking that it will last forever. But how comforting for us as believers to know that God will never leave us or forsake us! Now that does not mean that God will not discipline us when our disobedience warrants it and it appears that Israel is experiencing discipline which causes Asaph to wonder what is going on. But in light of what we have seen in Deuteronomy 28, is there really a need to question that? If Israel is being overrun by enemies and there appears to be no relief in sight, that is exactly what God said would happen if Israel forsook Him. In fact whenever we face hardship, it is wise for us to reflect and ask God whether He is trying to correct us to bring us back to Him. But what a comfort for us to know that when that happens to us it is because God loves us and is with us, not because He is abandoning us!!! But having that knowledge doesn’t necessarily make it easy to face the disciples and it is comforting to know that Psalms like this show us that God wants to hear our struggles and doubts. But as is often typical in the Psalms and is fitting for us as well, that they often end well. After expressing the thoughts and feelings of where are you God, Asaph affirms to himself (and those reading/hearing) just who God is. He is a God of power, wisdom and faithfulness. It right to trust Him! And that is why Asaph then turns to prayer. In other words, God because you are these things, come to our rescue! And notice how Asaph is concerned about God’s character and not Israel’s comfort!
But this is also a typical pattern in the Psalms and a typical process for us…questioning, hurt and doubt about life’s circumstances, affirmations of faith (reminding ourselves who God is, what He has done and what He has promised) and all that leading to prayers of request, asking God to act on our behalf. The main question though when we do that, is will we then leave it with God and be still……
David has persevering faith and continues to call on God and remember His promises despite his circumstances.
We do not see our signs;
There is no longer any prophet;
Nor is there any among us who knows how long.
22 Arise, O God, defend your cause;
remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
Psalm 74