When believers are under Attack

 Read Psalm 74. 

Asaph wrote of a time when the homeland was under attack.  In their invasion, the enemy destroyed places and items used to worship the LORD.  In addition, they scoffed at the God of Israel and began to set up their own objects of worship.  This went far beyond military might to raw spiritual warfare.  It confused him.  Why would God allow this?  Why did He not intervene to protect His own people? 

His prayer was a call for the God of heaven to arise and demonstrate His glory.  Notice the elements of his appeal. 

1. The power of His creation. (vv.12-19)

God had demonstrated His great omnipotence in the past.  As the Owner, He made and corralled oceans and their inhabitants.  He provided water on the land.  He divided day and night.  He made the seasons.  If God could do that then dealing with people on earth is a simple matter. 

2. The promise of His covenant. (vv.20-21)

These were God's chosen people.  In Genesis 12, the LORD made unconditional promises regarding Abraham's descendants.  Promises were made to King David and his household forever.  It was from this family that the Messiah would come.  No wonder they were under satanic attack.  It is God's commitment to care for His people and He will. 

3. The perspective of His cause. (vv.22-23)

This fight was not "them against us."  Rather, this war truly belonged to God. 

Believers are soldiers in the spiritual battles and we are totally dependent upon the Spirit of God to accomplish spiritual victories.  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12) 

But do not forget the rest of Ephesians 6.  Put on the whole armor God that He has supplied for our protection and skillfully use the written word of God He gave us for our offensive weapon.

A cure for Envy

 Psalm 73. 

It happens to all of us.  We notice someone who has something newer, faster, better, more attractive, more expensive, or simply more.  Within us stirs an emotional desire to have, to buy, to acquire, or to accomplish. 

That feeling may motivate us legitimately to higher levels of achievement.  But the warning in Scripture is to guard against the sin of envy.  It can be a fine line.  The motive question we must ask ourselves is, "Why am I feeling that way?"   Is it due to a lack of contentment on our part?  Is it due to our pride?  Is it the need for power to keep up with or exceed those around us?  Is it because we feel God is not meeting our needs?

Here is the insight: The felt need for more can never be satisfied. 

In this Psalm, Asaph shared his true struggles and how he was able to resolve his envy.  These three steps will help us to understand the cause of envy and its cure. 

1. Looking at others.  (vv.1-12)

The problem started when he looked at those around him who were prospering and he realized they did not love God.  They took credit for their gains.  They did not seem to be troubled by tragedies and problems.  They got away with violence and criminal behavior.  They felt no accountability to God for their actions. 

2. Looking at himself.  (vv.13-16)

The chief cause of normal depression is self-pity.  We compare ourselves with others and what we want things to be like.  The distance of the gap between our expectations and reality is the measure of disappointment.  Asaph lived a godly life.  He did what was right.  Yet, comparatively he felt short-changed.  Trying to understand this wore him down. 

3. Looking to God.  (vv.17-28)

"...until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end."  When he began to worship, Asaph was able to gain a true perspective.  He had been concerned about temporal stuff.  100% of it could be lost, stolen, or burned up and 100% of it he would one day leave behind.  What he had through faith in the LORD was eternal.  That inheritance is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" (1 Peter 1:4).

The cure came when he realized that God is enough.  In His faithfulness, He supplies each day what we need.

   

The leadership every nation Wants

 Read Psalm 72. 

This is David's prayer for Solomon as the crown was passed from father to son.  How does one pray for a national leader?  There are no less than nine requests made for the new king. 

1. Justice for the poor and needy.

All authority to mete out justice comes from God.  Human judges are to represent God with the knowledge that they are accountable to Him.  Having leadership that stands in the gap for those who are powerless, who stands against oppressors, and those who commit crimes is essential to the survival of any society. 

2. Righteousness.

Not only must leaders correct what is wrong, they must lead according to what is right. 

3. Prosperity.

Good leadership creates an environment for growth.  The people then are refreshed by them and "flourish" personally and financially. 

4. Peace.

Living quiet peaceable lives is the goal of a civilized society.  Those who govern have the God-given responsibility to protect the people from internal strife and international threats. 

5. Expanded Influence.

This is the essence of all leadership.  The prayer here is based upon the first four above.  The leader would be so respected, so blessed, and so supported by his own people that he would be equally received and revered by other nations. 

6.  Long Life.

"Long live the king."  That is not only a good sentiment for well-wishing, but long tenures of God-honoring leadership is a blessing to the people. 

7. Abundance.

With great productivity comes abundance in resources.  Great amounts of resources give leaders and the nation plenty of options for expansion, protection, and meeting the needs of the people.  When the nation is enriched the people should be as well. 

8. Fame.

When a nation has such leadership as described here, it becomes well-known and attractive.  The reason is that everyone wants to live in a place like this and follow this type of leader. 

9. Blessed.

This kind of leadership and this type of society does not come through self-help efforts.  It is a "wondrous" thing that comes from God alone.  He blesses such leaders and nations in order to reveal His glory, not theirs. 

"Righteous exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."  (Proverbs 14:34)

A God for all Seasons

 Read Psalm 71. 

Here the unnamed song writer made an assessment of his life.  A need for safety and stability appears to have prompted it.  He looked to God for refuge and rescue from those who sought his harm.  A good scare or tragedy causes us to stop and take stock of where we have been, why we are here, and, most importantly, where we are headed. 

1. From Birth. (v.6)

"You took me from my mother's womb."  Birth is no accident.  As Psalm 139 explains in detail, the LORD superintends even conception and formation.  People are born with a God-given purpose to fulfill.  The Psalmist cannot recall a time he did not "lean" on the LORD. 

2. From Youth. (vv.5, 17)

All during his days of growing up, the LORD provided for him in two strong areas.

-"For you, O Lord, are my hope."  No matter what happens in life, God never changes.  He is always there and has our future secured.

-"O God, from my youth you have taught me."  The only way to know and experience God's purpose of why we are here is be taught by Him.  It does not come to us naturally.  Time must be invested in knowing what God has said in His word.  "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130)  As we invest that time, we discover the Holy Spirit helping us to make application for life-change in order to live in a way that pleases God.  "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit.  For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10) 

3. To Old Age. (v.18)

A lifetime of learning God's word and living according to His purpose has influence.  The charge is to tell the next generation of God's power, how He answered prayer, and how He intervened to provided refuge and rescue. 

"You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?" (v.19b)

I need help and I need it NOW

 Read Psalm 70. 

Many of the Psalms were written as reminders to the nation.  They would sing them at particular times of travel, worship, or celebration.  This one was to be sung "for the Memorial Offering." 

1. The cry is for urgent help. (vv.1 and 5)

He needed deliverance and he needed right away. 

2. The cry is for protection from hurt. (vv.2-3)

His enemies sought his harm and even his life.  They ridiculed his faith.  The prayer was for God to deal with them and put them to shame. 

3. The cry is for victorious hope. (v.4)

He looked beyond his circumstances by faith.  "God is great!"  Indeed, God is greater than the threats.  God is greater than those who plot against him.  The victory is assured either way.  So, let the people of God rejoice, be glad, and sing. 

"When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)

Waiting for God to Act

 Read Psalm 69. 

David felt overwhelmed.  He cried until his throat hurt and his eyes were nearly swollen shut as he waited on God.  One his chief concerns was how this stress affected those around him.  He became alienated even from his own family. 

When he tried to worship or humble himself in prayer and fasting, his adversaries used those very things to mock him. 

Yet, through it all David's faith never wavered.  He trusted God to act on his behalf at exactly the right moment.  "But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.  At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness." (v.13)  God will not be a minute late in providing His deliverance.  Waiting is the hardest part. 

When these circumstances become our reality, we are in the best company imaginable.  For so they treated Jesus.  No less than three verses in this Psalm were later identified in the Gospels with the persecution and sufferings of Christ.

Verse 4-John 15:25 "But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: They hated me without a cause."

Verse 9-John 2:17 "His disciples remembered that is was written, 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'"

Verse 21-Matthew 27:48 "And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it him to drink." 

He could sing praises in the midst of the pain because of the certainty of God's love, care and plan.  This song was never meant to be a complaint but a testimony to others.  "You who seek God, let your hearts revive.  For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners." (vv.32b-33)

 

Does God care about those in Need?

 Read Psalm 68. 

God helps those who cannot help themselves.  It is sinful pride that causes us to think we can live without dependence on the LORD. 

David wrote this song so that the nation would be reminded of God's power.  His enemies are powerless against Him.  They will be scattered, driven away, melted and will perish. 

Notice the specific groups of people in verses 9-10 who gain the LORD's special attention for defense and assistance.

1. Fatherless.  Those who have lost their parents or who have been abandoned by them can discover that God is available to meet their needs as a faithful heavenly Father.  Something many of them never had. 

2. Widows.  In several places in Scripture, there are reassurances, and even specific instructions, for the care of these women.  It is stated here that God is their protector.  Those who would mistreat or seek to take advantage of widows will in fact find themselves experiencing reprisals from God Himself. 

3. Solitary.   There are so many who live alone; single adults and the elderly.  They may and will experience times of loneliness, but no one is truly ever alone.  The LORD is omnipresent and is always available to those who seek Him.  His steadfast friendship supersedes what any other companion could supply. 

4. Prisoners.  As they pay for their crimes, they not only lose their freedom but their livelihoods.  Time is lost to produce any income for their future.  But when an incarcerated person who has paid their judicial debt is released they need help.  God can open doors of opportunity for them and restore those lost years. 

"In your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy." (v.10a)  

And, then to all of us we have these words of confidence for everyday:

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation."