PSALM 80 - A PRAYER OF RESTORATION & SALVATION

INTRODUCTON - READ PSALM 80

This Psalm, another written by Asaph's descendents, was a prayer for restoration and salvation, particularly for the Northern Kingdoms in Israel. It has been broken up into 4 sections, with a refrain follow each section. It is indeed a PRAYER OF FAITH, UNDERSTANDING AND DEPENDENCE.  expressing trust and confidence in a strong God' who Asaph knew would deliver his people from their crisis.

1. A PRAYER TO ISRAEL'S SHEPHERD - Read Psalm 80:1-3, Psalm 23, 

                                                                                     John 10:11-16

The image of a king or ruler as a shepherd for his people was common in the ancient world. Jeremiah was also called a shepherd to God's people in their time of exile. 

"And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding."  Jeremiah 3:15

 Asaph understood, like David, and many other Prophets and writers in the Bible, that the greatest `shepherd' of all was God who would `lead' his people 'like a flock'.

"He will feed His flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Isaiah 40:11

He recalls, as David did his famous Psalm 23, that God is our guide and omnipresent Shepherd. Asaph would have had this same special relationship that David had, not only as a lost sheep in His flock, but one who had experienced His mercy and love in a special way.

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He refreshed my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake.... Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" Psalm 23:1-3, 6 (NIV)

In this time when his people's land and their lives needed restoration, Asaph prayed this prayer to Israel's shepherd, and we can pray this same prayer to our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who gave his life so we too can have this same mercy, love and grace. 

"I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know my Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them in also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one Shepherd." John 10:14-16  (NLT)

2. DESPAIR OF GOD'S ANGER - Read Psalm 80:4-7

 Over and over the people of Israel had been mourning because of their enemies scorn and attacks by neighbouring nations. Their "grevious sin" - idoltary - had seperated them from God. He had good reason for being angry with them. 

"That God should be angry with us sinning is natural enough, but that He should be angry even with our prayers is bitter grief." Charles H Spurgeon

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear to dull to hear. But your iniquities have seperated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1&2

Still,  as in previous psalms, Asaph's heart is full of sorrow and grief when he thinks of God's anger towards his people Israel. In this second part of the psalm he asks God how long it will be before:

* He stops being angry with them.

* They can stop crying "buckets full of tears".

* He stops their enemies fighting and laughing at them.

It did seem at times that their prayers were not being answered. But God gave them hope: "keep on praying, and I will listen and forgive!" This promise can give us great hope when are in despair and grief.

"Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen. You will seek me and find me if you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity." Jeremiah 29:12-14a (NLT)

3. DESCRIPTION OF GOD'S VINE - Psalm 80:8-15, Isaiah 5:1-7, John 15:1-8

The Vine is a familiar metaphorical image used in the Old and New Testaments to describe the people of Israel and the Church. God planted it, it took root in the Promised Land, and it's branches spread "west to the Mediterranean Sea and east to the Euphrates River".  God cared for the Vine and Israel's task was to give shade to other nations. 

But again, because of their disobedience, God had "broken down the hedges" and removed it's wall of protection, leaving Jerusalem vulnerable to attack. God let "wild animals" - a picture of their enemies - attack and destroy their vines. 

"Now I am going to tell you what I am going to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be destroyed. I will break down its wall and it will be trampled. I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to rain on it. The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vine he delighted in. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress." Isaiah 5:5-7

In John 15, the Church too is represented as a Vine with branches and fruit - and like the Israelites we too can become vulnerable to attack and our fruit can `fall off'. 

"I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing." John 15:5  (NKJV)

4. PRAYER OF DIVINE RESTORATION - Read 80:16-19

Asaph knew that Israel needed Divine restoration. We know that man cannot save himself. God, through His Son Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. 

"The only person who can be said to be "at the right hand of God" as intercessor is JESUS THE MESSIAH. Let Him become OUR DELIVERER and let HIS STRENGTH be manifested in our weakness! By Him are the Jews to be restored, by Him alone can they find mercy, through Him can they be reconciled to God." William Clarke

The "Son of Man" in this context may refer to the Israelites, but in a prophetic sense is also speaks of Jesus Christ the Messiah. The "right hand" is strong because HE IS GOD'S SON! That is why He sent His Son Jesus, as our Redeemer. 

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth." Job 19:25 (NKJV)

"The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,"declares the Lord."

                                                                                                   Isaiah 59:20

CONCLUSION

Ask God to be your Shepherd and promise to be a sheep in His flock, believing that He will guide you each step of the way. Remember God as your 'sabaoth' - your `army of angels' - that watches over you. Remember God sent His Son to be your restoration and salvation - all you need to do is accept Him as Your Saviour and trust in Him. 

Like Asaph pray this refrain:

Asaph was seeking repentance for the sins of His people, but He knew it would not happen in their own strength, but only with the GRACE OF GOD."

"Grant us the joy of your presence, the comfort of your Spirit, the measures of your love and grace." Webmaster

Asaph knew that the only hope for anyone was the salvation that came from God, through His Son Jesus Christ. 

"For whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:11 (NIV)

"For God sent His Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him might be saved." John 3:17 (NIV)

"The Holy Bible, New International Version" 2011, Biblica

"Holy Bible, New Living Translation" 2015, Tyndale House Foundation. 

"The Holy Bible, New King James Version"1982, Thomas Nelson.

"Discover the Books of the Bible", 2020, Webmaster@biblestudys.org

Churchyard, Gordon, 2002, "Make Us United - Psalm 80", www.easyenglish.bible

Guzik, David, 2020, "Psalm 80 - Restoring Israel, The Sheep and Vineyard of the Lord", www.enduringword.

PSALM 79: BABYLON!

 INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 79, 2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles, Jeremiah 39 &                                                                                  Daniel 1                                                                                                        

Psalm 79 was written about one of the most devestating events in Jewish history - the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian empire. It is described a number of times throughout Scripture.

As we read these passages (see above) we realize that Judah's kings at the time were not following the ways of the Lord; and the priest and leaders in the Temple of the Lord were also `wicked, following the example of Godless nations'

"The Lord made the Temple in Jerusalem holy, but the leaders made it unholy."                                                                                                               2 Chron 36:14b (NLT)

The prophet Jeremiah had been sent by God again and again to warn the Israelites, it's kings and spiritual leaders what would happen if they did not repent of their 'wicked ways'. but they refused to listen. We then read how God used Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian army to punish his people. 

"Nebuchadnezzar and his army set fire to God's Temple and broke down Jerusalem's walls, burning all the palaces. They took and destroyed every valuable thing in Jerusalem. The few who survived were taken as exiles to Babylon and they became servants to the king and his sons until the king of Persia came to power. So the message of the Lord spoken through Jeremiah was fulfilled. The land finally enjoyed its Sabbath rest, lying desolate until the 70 years were fulfilled, just as the prophet had said." 2 Chronicles 36:20-21 (NLT)

But just as this Psalm ends on a positive note - with a promise to God - we can truly see the hand of God's mercy in the simple kindnesses shown to God's faithful servants: Jeremiah, Gedaliah, and those who were able to stay in Jerusalem. Not only was Gedaliah a friend and helper of Jeremiah, but his name meant,  "Yahweh is great" and was the head of a prominent family in Judah. It is possible that Jeremiah had put in a good word for him with the king. He was a man of honour and good sense, and his treachorous murder by Ishmael was probably due to jealousy and ambition.

Now an old man, Jeremiah was released from prison, protected by the Babylons and was allowed to live among his people in Judah. This is indeed a demonstration of God's grace. 

"But the captain of the guard allowed some of the poorest people to stay behind to care for the vineyards and fields." 2 Kings 25:12 (NLT) 

"Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, left some people in Judah. He appointed Ged aliah, son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, as Governer.... Gedaliah vowed to them that the Babylonian officials meant them no harm: "Don't be afraid of them. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and all will go well with you.", he promised.                                                                                               2 Kings 25:22 & 24 (NLT)

"Find Jeremiah and take care of him. Do not hurt him but do for him what he asked.....They had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard and turned over to Gedaliah......So they took him home and he stayed among the people left in Judah."                                                               Jeremiah 39:12-14 (NLT)

Later we read how Daniel and his friends, though captives in Babylon were also favoured because of their faithfulness in God. 

"God made Aspharez, the Chief Officer want to be kind and merciful to Daniel."             Daniel 1:9

Ebed-Melech, the Ethiopion, who helped rescue Jeremiah was given a promise from God because of his compassionate acts and trust in God, and finally we have "this comforting sign to the whole captive people, that the Lord would one day end their banishment". After 37years, Judah's king Jehoakin was freed from jail, and given a "higher place the other exiled kings in Babylon".

"He supplied Jehoachin with new clothes to replace his prison garb and allowed him to dine in the king's presence for the rest of his life." 2 Kings 25:29

JERUSALEM'S DEVASTATION - Read Psalm 79:1-4; Lamentations 1

The shocking, brutal fall of Jerusalem made them a disgrace to surrounding nations, and Asaph was feeling this disgrace deeply; especially the defile of the Temple, which God's own people had `brought down' by their own `sin and arrogance'.

Seeing his family and friends- people he had lived and worked with closely fall before him and the Temple laying in a heap of rubble - he would have felt grief, but more so, a heavy heart of lament. He knew that they had "deserved their punishments" for their sins, but still he felt deeply their hurt and humiliation. Like Jeremiah who had tried so hard to bring his people back to God.

"Jerusalem sinned terribly so she had become unclean. All who honoured her despised her, for they have all seen her naked; she herself groans and turns away. Her filthiliness clung to her skirts; she did not consider her future. Her fall was astounding; there was none to comfort her, "Look, Lord, on my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed." Lamentations 1:8&9 (NIV)

ASAPH'S PRAYER FOR GOD'S HELP - Read Psalm 79:5-8, Jeremiah 29

Like Asaph we often ask this question, especially in this season of isolation, lonliness, grief and unknown: "How long?" We may not necessarily feel that God is angry or jealous with us; but we may, like Asaph and the Israelites be feeling 'on the brink of despair,' because life is not going the way we planned.

Asaph was expressing the heart of his people. In the years of Jeremiah, the people had listened to false prophets and had ignored the truth from God, through Jeremiah. Hopefully now, they would listen to God's promise as Asaph's prayer will be answered.

"The good news was that God's anger and jealousy would not burn against His people forever. Jeremiah foretold the judgement to come, but He also told the restoration to come." David Guzik

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Judgement would come upon Babylon as they would be conquered by the Medes and the Persians. As we read in th books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Jewish people would return to their homeland and rebuild their city and their Temple - God's plans of restoration!

A PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS AND SALVATION - Read Psalm 79:9-11,                                                                                                    Lamentations 3:19-26

Again, speaking on behalf of the Israelites, Asaph humbled himself, seeking forgiveness for the sins of his people and God's salvation.

"Sins accumulate against nations. Generations lay up stores of transgressions to be visited upon their successors;  hence this urgent prayer." Charles Spurgeon

Like Jeremiah, Asaph knew that only God could give them atonement for their sins.

 "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh every morning. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I hope in Him!" The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him . So it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:22-26 (NLT)

The people in exile in Babylon were not unlike those who had been in Egypt - there was a lot of misery and moaning. Asaph asked God to watch over them and keep them safe. There may be days that we may be feeling like we are in `exile', but remember, God is watching over us.

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are those who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)

CONCLUSION - Read Psalm 12&13

Asaph's final request was that God would deal with his conquerors with both justice and vengeance, and we know that God keeps his promises, especially to to His people, `the sheep of His pasture". Asaph believed in this, and thus ended his psalm on a positive note.

He showed a grateful dependence on God. He recognized that he indeed was a sheep in God's pasture, and that he would trust in the Shepherd. He encouraged God's people to follow him, as he declared thanks and praise in what he believed would be a bright future!

"We will thank you always, forever and ever, we will praise you." Psalm 79:13b (CEV)

Coffman, James.B (1983) (2020)"Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Kings 25"www.studylight.org

Guzik, David (2020), "A Prayer from Conquered Exiles", "The Fall of Jerusalem & Captivity of Judah", "The Fall of Jerusalem",  www.@enduringword.com

Spurgeon, Charles.H (1885) (2020) "Treasury of David", Christianity.com

Holy Bible, New Century Version, (2005), Thomas Nelson Publishers

Holy Bible, New International Version (2011), Biblica.Inc

Holy Bible, New Living Translation (2015), Tyndale Publishers

PSALM 78 - AN HISTORICAL PSALM - GOD'S WONDER AND MERCY

 INTRODUCTION: Read Psalm 78

Psalm 78 is the longest historical psalm recounting Israel's history from the slavery in Egypt to King David's reign. It is also a psalm of Asaph's wisdom and teaching in the hope that the Israelites would remember their past and be reminded of God's wonder and mercy, and be encouraged to share this with their children and other generations.

When I first read this psalm I felt disheartened, for no matter what God did for His people,  the Israelites - no matter how faithfully He blessed them and cared for them - they continually complained and remained unfaithful.

"It's a lesson that must not repeat itself. The people must never again be unbelieving."                                                                                                   James Montgomery Boice

Are we people like this too? We are God's children. He is our loving, merciful Father, and these qualities, along with the many more we have trusted in over the years, are unfailing. Still, WE COMPLAIN! Still, our pride gets in the way of our obedience. Still, when confronted with "human suffering and guilt" we refuse to humble ourselves and "accept God's offer of grace."

"The humble heart is quick to acknowledge their need for God, eager to confess sin, willing to kneel before the Father. Those who walk in pride God is able to humble. But those who walk in humility God is able to USE." Max Lucado.

God was merciful. He listened to His people's complaints and was angered with their unfaithfulness; but He still blessed them abundantly. The same is true for us today. So don't forget to praise God and thank Him for all He has done for you; for taking your hand and at times carrying you along those difficult "stepping stones" in your life. Thank Him for "moulding you" into the special child of God you are today.

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN: Read Psalm 78:1-8

The Word of the Lord is to be carefully handed down to our children. We must be concerned for our future generations, passing on down the wonders and mercies of the Lord, what we have read in the Bible and from our own experiences. 

It is such a blessing for Mark and I to be able to go to Church with our son, daughter in law and our three granddaughters, to see them serve the Church in their own way, and to see our granddaughters get excited about Children's Church, telling us each week what they have learnt.

"You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them on your hands and wear them on your foreheads as reminders." Deuteronomy 6:5-8

Asaph was concerned about passing on 3 important things to the next generations:

1. THE PRAISES OF GOD - teaching them that God was worthy of adoration and graduation.

2. GOD'S STRENGTH - His power and greatness above and beyond all.

3. HIS WONDERFUL WORLD - God's power and greatness in assisting His people.

The greatest of God's works was the giving of His Word (the Law) to Israel. If we don't pass this on to our children it can become totally irrelevant in our world today. We want them to trust God and be obedient to His Word, not just because we have taught it to them, but because we have shown them by living it through our lives. They will hopefully learn the right way to live, and will want to focus their lives on the Word and be faithful to God.

GOD'S WONDER'S, EPHRAIM'S REBELLION -              Read Psalm 78:9-6; Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephraim was a cowardly people, one of the larger tribes of Israel.  Sin had discouraged their hearts. They were evil and treacherous because they had disobeyed God and forgotten His works. 

* He delivered them from the hands of Pharoah in Egypt.

* He made a path through the Red Sea.

* He gave them courage tho walk through the sea and then guided them in the wilderness.

* He led them step by step, day and night, supplying them fresh water and healthy food.

"Those who forget God's works are sure to fail in their own." Charles Spurgeon

As a "breakaway tribe" they were also a symbol of "backsliding". They often failed in battle for although they were armed with their "bows", they did not use them properly. They refused to trust in the Lord, remembering all the wonders He had done for them. 

This can be true of all the spiritual battles we face today. God  makes spiritual resources available to us, but we can only have victory in our battles if we use these effectively.

 "Stand your ground, putting on the BELT OF TRUTH and the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. For SHOES, PUT ON PEACE that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all these, hold up the SHIELD OF FAITH to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on SALVATION AS A HELMET and take the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the WORD OF GOD. PRAY IN THE SPIRIT at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." Ephesians 6:4-18 (NLT)

GOD'S MERCY, ISRAEL'S UNBELIEF -                             Read Psalm 78:21-39; Numbers 11

God was merciful with His people even though they rebelled. He blessed them more and provided for their needs, but they challenged God to GIVE THEM MORE. They continued to be dissatisfied with God's provisions. God was angry and displeased with them, because it showed their lack of trust. They thought that the reason God didn't give them what they wanted was because He couldn't. They lacked faith in His power and care for them. Because of their fear and unwillingness to seek the Lord by faith this first generation did not enter the Promised Land, but spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. 

"Never again say, "Can God?", but "God can?" Meyer

 "Now the Lord sent a wind that brought quail from the sea and let them fall all around the camp. For miles in every direction there were quail flying about three fee above the ground. So the people went out and caught quail all that day and throughout the night and all the next day, too. No one gathered less than 50 bushels! They spread the quail all around the camp to dry. But while they were gorging themselves on the meat - while it was still in their mouths - the anger of the Lord blazed against the people, and He struck them with a severe plague."                           Numbers 11:31-33 (NLT)

By these plagues God made a way for His people to rely and trust in Him more. At times they repented of their sins, but these were not sincere confessions. They came to God with flattery, insincere words and actions. It was their sin of idolatry that entangled them most; but again God was full of compassion, forgiving the sins of His children. God forgave their lack of sincerity and turned his anger away,  bringing the next generation into the Promised Land.

"Eventually a generation of people sought earnestly for God, but even their seeking was somewhat insincere." David Guzik

God had been furious with their unbelief, their doubting and their ingratitude. We often think today that these sins are only small in comparison to many, but they led to one generation of Israelities being kept from God's salvation. Yet despite God's merciful blessings and corrections, ISRAEL STILLED SINNED, and this is the most tragic line in this psalm. ISRAEL DIDN'T LEARN! 

How will our generations be? Will we spend our lives "wandering in the wilderness" or will we accept the salvation Jesus has offered to us by His death on the cross. Will we seek Him with sincere confession and trust in His Word?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.":Proverbs 3:5&6  (NIV)

THE PLAGUES IN EGYPT - ONWARD TO THE PROMISED LAND - Read Psalm 78:40-55;  Numbers 14; Exodus 7-11

We know that God continues to be compassionate, but He does not ignore sin. Asaph recounted again how God worked His miracles in Egypt and then in the wilderness, bringing His people to the Promised Land in Canaan.

In Egypt we read about the plagues:

* Turning the river into blood.

* Sending swarms of flies, frogs and locusts.

* Sending hail, frost and locusts.

* Killing of lifestock - cattle.

* The death of the firstborn.

Then the People of Israel were led forth as sheep, protected from their enemies. He brought them to Canaan, driving out the nations before them, and giving the new generation an inheritance. 

These verses continue to speak of God's great mercy. The people did not know where they were going, but God guided them with care and tenderness. He led safely along dangerous paths and they did not need to fear, for they knew God was with them. God was their `ROCK' and 'REDEEMER', and they knew they could build their lives on Him, if they continued to trust in Him to save them. As we are reminded, for a short time, they did this, seeking God's forgiveness and humbling themselves before Him.

"Then if my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

Although the Israelites weren't always sincere in remembering God's salvation, His mercy and forgiveness continued to be offered to them, and we know that His total forgiveness was offered by the death of His Son on the Cross: HE IS OUR TRUE ROCK AND REDEEMER.

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, in His own grace, freely makes us right in His sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins." Romans 3:23&24 (NLT)

THE ISRAELITES DEFEATED BY THE PHILISTINES -    Read Psalm 78:56-64; 1 Samuel 4:10-22

In these verses we read how Israel was a "bow that did not shoot straight". Even in the Promised Land, they continued to be unfaithful. They failed to fulfil God's purpose in their lives and they worshipped other gods, "setting up altars and carved images". This is something we often do when we follow our own will in our lives, rather than listening to God.

Asaph remembered the tragedy at Shiloh, when the Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant. God allowed the Philistines to capture the Ark and take it as a trophy of their victory in battle. Even the priests who attended the Ark fell by the sword. Yet eventually GOD TRIUMPHED! Even though the Philistines had taken it to their pagan temple, the Lord `found it'. 

"God demonstrated that He was able to guard His glory when His people neglected His glory." David Guzik

THE CHOICE OF JUDAH AND IT'S LEADER DAVID -     Read Psalm 78:65-72; 1 Samuel 5

Psalm 78 ends on a hopeful note. Asaph explains why God chose the tribe of Judah and rejected the other tribes of Israel, and why He also chose David, a humble shepherd boy to be king over his people.

God delights in honouring the humble and diligent. David had a great trust in God, he "shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart", and was found to be both skilful and trustworthy in discharging his duties as a soldier and responsibilities as a king. He failed at times, but ultimately, he ruled God's people, taught them and protected them. He was sincere and wise in all he did, because He followed the Lord and His Word.

The Ark was brought back to Jerusalem, to the Sanctuary in Zion, and would later be placed in the Temple in Jerusalem which David planned for his son Solomon to build.

God chose Judah because this was the tribe through which He would send His Son Jesus, who like David would be the GREAT KING and GOOD SHEPHERD of all God's people.

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep."       John 10:11

CONCLUSION

So this long, historical psalm has come to and end. But God's wonders and mercies never will. God will continue to bless His children, as He did the Israelites, as He will you and me. He continues to offer His grace and forgiveness when we wander in the wilderness. He sent His Son Jesus, so that we could have a ROCK AND REDEEMER.

What great promises for us to cling to!

Guzik, David, 2020, "Psalm 78 - Learning from God's Faithfulness to His Rebellious People", enduringword.com

Henry, Matthew; Mansen, Martin H, 2008, "The New Matthew Henry Commentary" Zondervan

"Holy Bible, New International Version", 2011, Biblica.Inc

"Holy Bible, New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

Lucado, Max, 2018, "Unshakable Hope", Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Lucado, Max, 2003, "Devotional Bible, New Century Version, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus", Thomas Nelson Publishers.

PSALM 77 - OUR GREAT & MERCIFUL GOD

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 77

Where is God? How do we know He is real? Many people ask this question, especially when faced with tragedy. Recently my son's best friend died in a tragic car accident, leaving behind his partner and seven young children. He was on 34 years old, and when seeking compassion and encouragement, this was the first question she gave to me: "If there was a God how could he take away such a perfect, young man". I could only give her the answer that I found, like Asaph, in this Psalm:

"I remember what the Lord did.......I think about what He has done." Psalm 77:11&12 (NIV)

How do I not only know that God is real, that He is a loving and merciful Father. How can I trust Him, even when I feel let down and alone? Because of the evidence of His creation, and the experiences of His promises in the past. Where do I find renewed courage - only in the WORD!

It is not always easy, especially in those times of grief, but "is there anything more equitable and powerful, more reliable, more true than God." (Joseph Stawell)

"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made."  Psalm 145:8&9 (NIV)

"No God is as great as our God. God, your ways are holy." Psalm 77:13 (ICV)

THE PSALMIST'S GRIEF -  Read Verses 1-9

1. HIS PRAYERS

This psalm begins with Asaph's sorrowful complaints in a time of grieving. They were personal, sincere thoughts that troubled him deep down in his spirit. We have a real description of what a Christian or anyone in the grips of depression and grief might feel.

When you are suffering depression, especially in a time of grief, don't get your answers from alcohol, drugs or other addictions. The best way to gain relief is through PRAYER. 

I am not talking about Clinical Depression - that is a whole different matter - but even then, I know from experience, that God is the `waymaker' to specialist help. 

Asaph also knew the first place to go when `in distress' was to his Heavenly Father.

"I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress I sought the Lord."Psalm 77:1 (NIV)

Asaph's grief didn't cease even in his sleep. How true it is for us too. Like Asaph, we are not always in the mood for comfort and encouragement from other people, or even the Lord; but we need to be careful not to focus our thoughts on just our selfish needs. If we are troubled by the confusion of these thoughts we tend to `bottle them up', and we risk `falling deeper'. We will have even more trouble sleeping and talking to other people. It is important though - even if we can't talk to others or even have trouble talking to God, that we to find at at least one friend, a pastor, or if necessary a doctor or may be able to help us. 

2. HIS REFLECTIONS

"When I remember God, I become upset. When I think, I become afraid. You keep my eyes from closing. I am too upset to say anything. I keep thinking about the old days, the years long ago."

                                                                                        Psalm 77:3-5  (NIV)

Reflecting on the past can be good or bad, depending on how or where you let your memories take you. Again, if you are grieving or depressed, like Asaph, these may lead to spiritual doubt:

* He feared God's anger.

* He feared the loss of God's love and mercy.

* He feared that God would turn him away and he would be alone.

Fortunately, Asaph stopped his negative thoughts and reflections with the word SELAH. He encourages us to take a break, and to think about our reflections and thought patterns, before we "stop them  from rising further". 

"In Asaph's dark depression his attention is held by the power of God rather than on his own weaknesses. Though it seems that God may not be helping him immediately he can at least rest himself in God's mighty works of the past, trusting that God will work again for him in the future."    Kevin Swanson

One of the best ways I have found in the past and and still do in my times of depression and grief, is to reflect on the Scriptures.

"So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for your souls. It leads us through the curtain of the God's inner sanctuary."  HEBREWS 6:18-19  (NLT)

"Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled."    ROMANS 15:4

GOD - OUR SAVIOUR AND REDEEMER   -  Read Verses 10-20

 "Remembrance of the works of God are a powerful antidote to distributing His promises for HE IS A GOD WHO DOES NOT CHANGE." Matthew Henry

The last verses in this Psalm are a great encouragement, and we can be strengthened as Asaph was as he recalls the greatness of God in displaying his "power" when "redeeming the descendents of Jacob and Joseph."

God has a holy purpose in everything He does. He acts according to His promises, for the good of His people. His ways are like "deep waters that cannot be fathomed.". 

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28  (NLT)

God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, but this was only the beginning of His mercy. He took them under His guidance and protection. He chose many great leaders, starting with Moses and Aaron, but they could only led them with the Lord's help.

"You led your people like a flock of sheep. You led them by using Moses and Aaron." 

Psalm 77:20 (ICB)

His greatest act of mercy has of been sending His own son Jesus - not only as a Shepherd and Saviour and Redeemer for His people the Israelites, but also for us - His children and his sheep. If we come to Him, we can also find compassion in our time of grieving and depression. 

"But ALL WHO BELIEVED AND ACCEPTED HIM, He gave the right to become CHILDREN OF GOD." John 1:12   (NLT)

"For this is how God loved the world HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, that EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM will not perish but have eternal life. GOD  SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD not to judge the world, but TO SAVE THE WORLD THROUGH HIM." John 3:16&17 (NLT)

"I am the GOOD SHEPHERD. The GOOD SHEPHERD SACRIFICES HIS LIFE FOR HIS SHEEP." John 10:11 (NLT)

CONCLUSION

How do we know that we can trust in a real, faithful and merciful God? How do we know that God is great and will always be with us?

                                  SIMPLE! TRUST IN HIS PROMISES!

"Holy Bible", New International Version" (2011), Biblica, Inc

"Holy Bible", New Living Translation" (2015) Tyndale Publishers.

"Magnify, "International Children's Bible - Psalms and Proverbs" (2006), Thomas Nelson

Henry, Matthew; Manser, Martin H (2002) "The New Matthew Henry Commentary", Zondervan.

Stawell, Joseph, "The Upside of Down" (1991), Moody Press. 

Swanson, Kevin, "The Book of Psalms - The Heart of the Word."

PSALM 76 - OUR VICTORIOUS GOD

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 76

Psalm 76 is the final Psalm believed to be written by Asaph in relation to GOD'S GREAT VICTORY over Sennacherib and his Assyrian Army. Asaph celebrates God's great power and gives important reasons why we should TRUST GOD AND GOD ALONE; giving Him honour and thanksgiving.

"Let all the world learn from this event to stand in awe of this great God." Matthew Henry.

It was written in the time of King Hezekiah, who we know, was known to be one of the most zealous of kings, next to David, when it came to serving and keeping God's commandments. King Hezekiah was unique in his passion and trust in the Lord. This was remarkable considering he was the son of one of the worst kings of Judah - King Ahaz. But King Hezekiah also reigned under the influence and ministry of Isaiah, and this is the GREATEST VICTORY OF ALL - GOD'S GRACE IN ACTION!

We, like Hezekiah, can TRIUMPH OVER OUR PAST, and can make the right choices, by putting GOD FIRST IN OUR LIVES, and can allow Him to be our VICTOR!

"Hezekiah trusted the Lord. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow Him; He kept the commandments the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; He was successful in whatever he undertook."  2 Kings 18:5-7  (NIV)

HISTORY - Read 1 Kings 18 & 19; 2 Chronicles 32; Psalm 76:5-9

1. Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

King Hezekiah, had in the past, let King Sennacherib get to him. In the 14th Year of Hezekiah's reign, after the King of Assyria had taken seige of Samaria and was moving towards the fortified cities of Judah, King Hezekiah had given him the silver from the God's temple to keep him away. He could have fallen apart this time, as his enemy drew closer to Jerusalem, but after listening to Isaiah, a prophet of the Lord, he made the right choice -  depend on the power and promises of God, and encourage his people with his faith.

At one time King Sennacherib's Field Commander attempted to shake King Hezekiah's faith and that of the people of Israel, by blaspheming God. He said:

* You lost your right to God's protection when you destroyed your altars.
* Hezekiah can't promise you God's deliverance from the Assyrians.
* God will not be able to protect you from the King of Assyria - he is greater.

These were all blaspheming lies from a proud, godless, ignorant soldier. We know that they were not true, for Hezekiah, the Israelities, and we also know, that GOD IS FAITHFUL to KEEP HIS PROMISES. He is the ONLY ONE GOD, and HE IS OMNIPRESENT - ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE.

"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strength you and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thess 3:3
                                                                                                                                                    (NIV)

"One God and Father of all, who is over all and in all." Ephesians 4:6   (NIV)

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." 
                                                                                          Psalm 16:8   (NIV)

 King Hezekiah was a man of great faith, but he was still a litte shaken by the Field Commanders words, for they were followed by an abusive letter from his enemy King Sennacherib himself. He wanted to persuade Hezekiah to surrender, but fortunately, Isaiah had encouraged him with a comforting message from the Lord.

Hezekiah made the choice to PRAY rather than RUN IN FEAR! He got down in his knees before the Lord and HIS FAITH WAS STRENGTHENED. He was then ready to STAND FIRM!

Hezekiah has become my greatest `BIBLE PRAYER PARTNER'. I love the way, that without hesitation, he immediately presented King Sennacherib's letter before God. God already knew what was in it, but by doing this, Hezekiah was acknowleding that he knew that God was stronger than his enemy's army, and that he knew God would protect the Israelites.

"Now therefore, O Lord our Lord, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone."  2 Kings 19:19  (NIV)

GOD'S ANSWERS

The answer to King Hezekiah's prayer was simple, and Isaiah had also said to him:

1. Confusion and Shame for Sennacherib  and His Army

"Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the King of Assyria: "He will not enter or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. By the way that he came, he will return, he will not enter this city." declares the Lord."   
2 Kings 19:32&33  (NIV)

The Army of Assyria was completely defeated before they entered the gates of Jerusalem. As they slept, they were killed by a plague, as an angel went over them. King Sennacherib himself fled and returned to his home town. He was later killed by his own sons.

"The stouthearted were plundered, they sunk into their sleep and none of the mighty men have found the use of the hands." Psalm 76:5   (NIV)

"And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out and killed in the camp of the Assyrians 185,000. When the people arose early in the morning, there were corpses - all dead." 2 Kings 19:35  (NIV)

"Now it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the temple opf Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharazer struck him down with the sword."    2 Kings 19:37  (NIV)

2. Salvation for Hezekiah and His People

"For I will defend this city to save it for My Own sake, and for my servant David's sake." 

                                                                                               2 Kings 19:34  (NIV)

"Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid. For Yahweh, my Lord, is my strength and song. He also has become my salvation. Therefore you will draw water from the wells of salvation."   Isaiah 12:1 (NIV)

In saving Hezekiah and the people of Israel God want, not only to save His people, but in so doing,  to see His name glorifie

 ADORATION TO GOD - Read Psalm 76:1-4, 10-12

"And in that day you will day, "Praise the Lord, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the people; make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord for He has done excellent things, This is known in all the earth."   Isaiah 12:4&5 (NIV)

God was well known in Judah and Jerusalem, and in our world today, for taking care of His people. We know how He saved the Israelites from their enemies, time and time again. There are many mirculous stories in the Old Testament that speak of GOD'S SALVATION. GOD IS THE CENTRE OF TRIUMPH AND VICTORIES. These have led to `immortal honour' of Israel's God.

"For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give VICTORY."   Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV)

But what about the SALVATION in the New Testament. What about the `Greatest Story Ever Told' - about when God sent His Son to die for us so that we could be SAVED. This is greatest story of GRACE IN ACTION!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to SAVE THE WORLD THROUGH HIM."  John 3:16&1" (NIV)

"For it is BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, through faith - and this is not from yourselves - IT IS A GIFT OF GOD, not by works, so that no one can boast."  Ephesians 2:8&9  (NIV)

Guzik, David (2020), "Psalm 76 - The Greatness of God and Man's Propler Response", 

www, enduringword.com

Henry,Matthew; Manser, Martin.H, (2008), ""The New Matthew Henry Commentary", Zondervan

Lucado, Max, (2014), "Before Prayer", Thomas Nelson

Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Biblica, Inc.

PSALM 75: OUR FAITHFUL & MERCIFUL JUDGE

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 75

This is another Psalm written by Asaph who we know to be a great musician and prophet. It begins by leading the people of Israel in a song of thanksgiving and praise. Asaph had grown in confidence and faith, knowing that God was a fair judge, loving,  merciful,righteous and faithful to His promises. We know Him to be this same God today.

The following verses give a warning to those who disobey God's teachings, who are wicked and boast in their own successes, for this is not the way God wants us to live. We know Him to be a merciful judge for those who seek His forgiveness; those who hunmbly come to Him in prayer, confessing their wrongdoings, and seeking to live a righteous life.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and I will forgiven their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Again, like his mentor David, Asaph finished his Psalm giving glory and praise to God, whom He honoured and knew personally. If we want to have this personal relationship with God, as David and Asaph did, we to need to humble ourselves and come before our faithful and merciful judge. 

THE HISTORY - Read Isaiah 36&37, 2 Kings 18 & 19, Read Psalm 46

The history behind this Psalm is the saving of the Israelites from Sennacherib, the Assyrian king. He and his armies had fought many cities near Judah, including Syria, and WON! King Hezekiah and Judah had every reason to be afraid, but:  

"Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings od Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow Him. He kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whateve he undertook." 2 Kings 18:5-7

God had kept his promises with Hezekiah and with the Israelites in the past, and HE ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES!  

"Be strong and do not fear; your God will come with a vengeance; with divine retribution. He will come to save you."  Isaih 35:4

"Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from His hand, so that all the kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God." 2 Kings 19:19

"I will defend this city and save, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant." Isaiah 37:35

"God is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

What promises! And did God deliver them. You bet He did. Hezekiah prayed, and God answered His prayers; with the inalation of Sennacherib and his army; and the deliverence of the Israelites. 

"I will cut off the horns of the wicked, and the horns of the righteous will be lifted up."

 Psalm 75:10

ADORATION TO GOD - Read Psalm 75:1 & 75:9

This Psalm begins and ends with THANKS AND PRAISE to a God who has done and will continue to do wonderful things in the lives of the Israelites. 

Asaph wrote this for his choir and musicians, but from the "perspective of the congregation":

* The people gladly give thanks to God for His wondrous works - HIS OMNIPOTENCE.

"We give thanks to you, O God, we give thaks for Your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds." Psalm 75:1

* They thanked God because He was always there for them - HIS OMNIPRESENCE.

"We sing not of a hidden God, who sleeps and leaves the Church to fate, but one who is ever in our darkest days, most near, a very present help in trouble." Charles Spurgeon

EARTHQUAKES, HORNS & CUPS OF WINE - Read Psalm 75:3, 75:5&10,
                                                                                                                75:8

Asaph used a number of different metaphorical `pictures' of God's judgement in this psalm:

1. EARTHQUAKES

"When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the One who keeps the foundation firm."    Psalm 75:3

An earthquake occurs when the ground moves and big holes appear in the ground. People and animals are frightened. When Sennacherib came the people were afraid, but like an earthquake, where God can stop the earth from moving, God was able to stop Sennacherib and his soldiers in their tracks. He stopped the fighting - the war. We too, need to TRUST IN GOD. 

                                       STOP! THINK! PRAY ABOUT IT!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5&6

"You will keep in perfect peace hinm whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."   Isaiah 26:3&4

2. HORNS

"Do not lift your horns against Heaven; do not speak with outstretched neck." Psalm 75:5

The "horn" is used metaphorically in Scripture to signify strength and honour. Early in this Psalm it was used as an expression of the wicked's strength and domination. They used their `horns' and `instruments of mischief'."

Asaph is speaking of God's judgement, and to the wicked and proud he warns that they should no longer boast and exalt their own strength (lift up their horns). 

"Lifting up one's horns against Heaven is the equivalent of shaking one's fist in God's face".

                                                                                                                               Boise

These people should not have "stiff necks" and resist the judgement of God.

 God also speaks to the righteous, for we too, need to show humility. As children of God we need to remember that it is God who exalts us, not ourselves. We need to be thankful for the gifts that God gifts us and remember that He is the ultimate judge when it comes to how we use them. We don't judge ourselves or others. 

Later in the Psalm, Asaph metaphoricalky speaks about how God "will cut off the horns of the wicked", but "the horns of the righteous shall be exalted". God will exalt the strength the the righteous and will extend their power, but only as Jesus reminds us, if we are humble and trust in Him. 

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

                                                                                                  Luke 14:11

"Don't be like the wicked and boast. Don't be proud, stubborn and arrogant, for this isn't the way God wants us to live."  David Guzik 

3. CUP OF WINE

"In the hand of the Lord is a cup, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours it out and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs."  Psalm 75:8

Asaph used another figure - "the cup of wine" representing the pouring out of God's judgement on the wicked - Israel enemies - in this case, Sennacherib an his armies. The wicked would be forced to "drain and drink down" the bitter cup, "wine with spices". Drinking the last bit, "to its very dregs", meant that God would punish them completely. 

"Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought to the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bows and shatters the spear, he burns the shield with fire." Psalm 47:8

GOD OUR JUDGE - Read Psalm 75:2 & 75:6&7

God is a faithful and merciful judge. His plan was to bring justice to His people - both the wicked and the righteous. The most important thing we need to remember is that God "chooses the proper time":

1. TO JUDGE THE RIGHTEOUS

Believers sometimes feel guilt and shame when we do something wrong, if we feel we have let someone down, or if we don't think we have performed a task well enough. But what we need to remember is: GOD IS OUR JUDGE, NOT OURSELVES!

"Defensive souls are defined by the past, our mistakes, and make us wear guilt on our sleeves, living  in doubt and shame." Max Lucado

We need to trust in our loving, merciful judge, who not only promised to forgive our us our sins of the past; but He sent us His Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we could have FREEDOM FROM THEM.

"We all, like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."  Isaiah 53:6

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

                                                                                              Psalm 103:12

2. TO JUDGE THE WICKED

God reserves the right to judge the unrighteous and those who have turned against Him; but it's not something we should do. As mentioned earlier. The "arrogant' should not boast and exalt their importance. They should not resist the judgement of God, but it is not up to Christians to be judges either. Like God, we need to show mercy and forgiveness.

"Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37

No one is a better JUDGE than our Lord - righteous and fair. He is the only one who knows when is person is truly right or wrong. 

"But it is God who judges; He brings one down and He exalts another." Psalm 75:7

God will choose the time when His people will be "strong and powerful", but they must wait for when God chooses. Humble yourself and wait on the Lord.

CONCLUSION - Read Psalms 47,48 &75

There are other Psalms that were written specifically during or after times of battle, when the people of Israel were reminded that the Lord was indeed their "refuge and strength", and to be "exalted and praised", not only in Jerusalem and Judah, but among all nations. God is indeed a loving, faithful, merciful and righteous judge, and there are so many other adjectives we can use to describe Him too; but most of all the Israelite people in their day just wanted to SING HIS PRAISES! We too can do the same today!

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with crys of joy." Psalm 47:1

"Sing praises to our God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises." Psalm 47:6

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, His Holy mountain. It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth." Psalm 48:1&2

Churchyard, Gordon, 2002, "Earthquakes, Horns & Cups of Wine", www.easyenglish,com. 

Guzik, David, 2020, "Psalm 75 - "The Righteous Judge Exalts and Brings Low", 

www.theenduringword.com

Lucado, Max, 2014, "Before Amen" Thomas Nelson

Spurgeon, Charles, 2020, "Treasury of David - Update", www.christianity.com

Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Biblica

Lucado, Max, 2003, "New Century Version - Devotional Version", Thomas Nelson

Moen, Don, 2016, "Thank You Lord", Integrity Music, YouTube

PSALM 74 - PRAYING FOR GOD'S PEOPLE

INTRODUCTION - Read Psalm 74

Asaph was tired of being stepped on. He felt rejected, defeated and forgotten. Psalm 24 is a prayer to God seeking revenge on Israel's enemies, asking for the restoration of God's people.

Anger is a strong emotion. We get frustrated and irritated, and it is not always the big things, but sometimes just those simple irritants that make us angry. Lots of simple frustrations often lead to revenge.

Have you ever wondered how Jesus was so forgiving and didn't retaliate, even when his enemies were preparing him for crucifixion. 

"FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO." Luke 23:34

Uncontrolled anger won't better our world, but sympathetic understanding will. We need to look deep inside ourselves to find the cause of our anger. Then our revenge may turn around to compassion. Our actions will begin with extended hands. Like Jesus, with forgiveness. Instead of fighting, we can be lights in a dark world. By understanding our dark world we can lead others to the Saviour - the Light of the World.

What makes you angry? Is it like Asaph, you see the injustice in the world and you want to find revenge? See your aggressors as people who need God and begin praying that God will meet their needs.

THE HISTORY OF THIS PSALM - Read 2 Chronicles 36, Nehemiah 11:17,22; Nehemiah 12:46; Ezra 2:41, 3:10

There are different beliefs about when Psalm 74 was written:

1. Most commentators believe it was written after the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians, by Asaph's ancestors.

2. Others believe it was written by the original Asaph, in David's time, as a prophecy. 

3. The final option is that Asaph composed this Psalm in memory of the destruction of the Tabernacle in Shiloh. 

"When the builders laid the foundation of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with their trumpets and the Levites ( the sons of Asaph with cymbals) took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David, King of Israel."  Ezra 3:10 (NIV)

"For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there had been many directors for the singers and for praise and thanksgiving to God."  Nehemiah 12:46 (NIV)

This Psalm was definitely written in a season of difficulty. Asaph wrote of "being cast off forever". It is not the prayer of an athiest, but of a hurting believer.

It describes one of the hardest times in the lives of the Israelites people - the destrruction of their Temple - the House of their God, where they came to meet with Him and pray. The people were feeling that God had let them down, and their `enemies were laughing at them and their God'. 

This is a similar situation to how Christians and Church leaders are feeling today, as they see their Churches closed down because of this `evil virus'. For the first time, since the Early Church they have no building in which they can meet together, but they are discovering this doesn't mean THE END TO THEIR WORSHIP.

"Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."  Romans 12:1 (NIV)

HAS GOD REJECTED US - Read Psalm 74:1-11.

Was God angry with His people? Had He rejected them? Asaph's complaining was `bordering on improprierty.'

1. The People Were Displeased With God

They blamed God for the way things were. They felt He had abandoned them, and had placed them in a disastrous situation.

"Why have you rejected us, O God? Why does your anger smoulder against the sheep of your pasture."  Psalm 74:1 (NIV)

2. Their Enemies Were Cruel and Outrageous

Not only had they burnt down their Temple - their place of Worship, but they had been seperated from their families and their home country. They had gone into exile, fearing what else would be done to them. 

"They burned your Sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your name. They said in their hearts: "We will crush them completely!" They burned every place where God was worshipped in the land."  Psalm 74:7&8 (NIV)

3. The People Had No Prospect of Relief

What made things worse, the people could see no end to their hardship, and their enemies were `blaspheming God'. 

"How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the enemy revile your name forever." 

                                                                                               Psalm 74:10 (NIV)

Does this sound familiar? Have you been feeling this way, or hearing these kinds of feelings expressed in the media lately? 

Asaph understood why God might be angry with his people for their "complaining", but he also knew that God was a compassionate LISTENER. He was a MERCIFUL, LOVING GOD, and Asaph knew He would never forget them. 

"I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will never be shaken."

                                                                                           Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

"If God would only remember His special care and connection with Israel He would rescue them."

                                                                                                          Charles Spurgeon

ENCOURAGE YOUR FAITH AND OTHERS - Read Psalm 74:12-17

Asaph not only wanted to get out of his own spirit of despondency but he wanted to encourage and renew the faith of the Israelite people. But how could he do this?

1. Remember God's Omnipotence

Asaph reminded the Israelites of God's greatness. Not only had he parted the Red Sea, when he brought them out of Egypt, but He had destroyed Pharoah, the cruel sea monsters and Leviathan. He was the Creator of the world - the creator of day and night, with powers over the waters and the seasons.  We too can gave faith in this omnipotent God. 

"You dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you, is GREATER than the one who is in the world."  1 John 4:4 (NIV)

2. Meditate on God's Salvation

He reminded the Israelites that God was their Saviour and had delivered them from Egypt into the Promised Land. We too have a Saviour - Jesus Christ, who was victorious over sin on the cross, and then death when He rose from the dead. We can also see how Jesus can be victorious in our world today!

"And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Saviour of the World."

                                                                                                  1 John 4:14 (NIV)

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the VICTORY that overcomes the world, even OUR FAITH. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only HE WHO BELIEVES THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD?"   1 John 5:4&5 (NIV)

3. Faith in God's Covenant (Promises)

Asaph was reminding God's people, the Israelites, as we are reminded today, that GOD IS FAITHFUL. He made a covenant with them, which HE KEPT!  God has many PROMISES IN HIS WORD FOR US TODAY, through which we can also be encouraged and strengthened.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that of we ask anything according to His will,  He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we ask of Him."  1 John 5:14&15

PRAYER & WORSHIP - Read Psalm 74:18-23

Finally, we can encourage and strengthen our faith through PRAYER AND WORSHIP. But Asaph also reminded us that prayer and worship are also a good WITNESS TO OTHERS.

Asaph wanted God to see and act on the Israelites' behalf, and to do this, He needed to pray for them; but they also needed to get together for corporate worship. Like us at the moment, we may not be able to do this in a Church building, but we can go `online' and share together how the Lord is protecting and keeping His promises to us.

The "dove' was a metaphor of peace for the people of Israel, as it is for us today. It is a beautiful description of a peaceful people, even in days of mourning and days of distress. We are still able to lift our arms and voices in praise and worship to our faithful and loving God. 

Asaph knew that God would not ignore His people, he knew that God would have compassion on them, and we know this is still true for us today. We can STAND UP IN FAITH amongst our family and friends and remember that "God will arise and defend us against our enemies". Why? Because, we know GOD IS OUR VICTOR! In our prayer and worship - let's all be a WITNESS TO OTHERS!

"In all these things we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Him who loved us." 

                                                                                                      Romans 8:37 (NIV)

"But thanks be to God! He gives us VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ." 

                                                                          1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

CONCLUSION

Did God reject the people of Israel? Will He reject us today? Were ther enemies cruel and deadly? Is our enemy virus cruel and deadly, and often hard to understand? Did the people of Israel often feel like their was no prospect of relief, just like we are feeling today? 

Yes, these may be questions we are still asking ourselves, and still struggling with the answers to; but we do know that God loves His people still today, and will still be faithful to the promises in His Word. We can trust Him to answer His questions, and bring us peace when we need protection. It may not happen overnight, just like for the people of Israel, but IT WILL HAPPEN!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE OF GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippiands 4:6&7   (NIV)

Churchyard, Gordon, 2002, "Keep Your Promise - Psalm 74", www.easyenglish.bible, Wycliffe Associates.
Guzik, David, 2019, "Psalm 74 - Asking God to Remember His Destroyed Sanctuary",  www.enduringword.com
Henry, Matthew, Manser, Martin.H, 2008, "The New Matthew Henry Commentary", Zondervan
Lucado, Max, 2003, "The Devotional Bible", New Century Version,". Thomas Nelson. 

"The Holy Bible, New International Version", 2011, Biblica, Inc.
"Holy Bible, New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Foundation