Incline your ears....

 We shall look at Psalm 78 in two parts as it is quite long, so here we have the first 35 verses. Let us consider what they show us about God and man.

Psalm 78:1–35 (ESV):  

1  Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; 

incline your ears to the words of my mouth! 

 2  I will open my mouth in a parable; 

I will utter dark sayings from of old, 

 3  things that we have heard and known, 

that our fathers have told us. 

 4  We will not hide them from their children, 

but tell to the coming generation 

  the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, 

and the wonders that he has done. 

 5  He established a testimony in Jacob 

and appointed a law in Israel, 

  which he commanded our fathers 

to teach to their children, 

 6  that the next generation might know them, 

the children yet unborn, 

  and arise and tell them to their children, 

 7  so that they should set their hope in God 

  and not forget the works of God, 

but keep his commandments; 

 8  and that they should not be like their fathers, 

a stubborn and rebellious generation, 

  a generation whose heart was not steadfast, 

whose spirit was not faithful to God. 

 9  The Ephraimites, armed with the bow, 

turned back on the day of battle. 

 10  They did not keep God’s covenant, 

but refused to walk according to his law. 

 11  They forgot his works 

and the wonders that he had shown them. 

 12  In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders 

in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan. 

 13  He divided the sea and let them pass through it, 

and made the waters stand like a heap. 

 14  In the daytime he led them with a cloud, 

and all the night with a fiery light. 

 15  He split rocks in the wilderness 

and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep. 

 16  He made streams come out of the rock 

and caused waters to flow down like rivers. 

 17  Yet they sinned still more against him, 

rebelling against the Most High in the desert. 

 18  They tested God in their heart 

by demanding the food they craved. 

 19  They spoke against God, saying, 

“Can God spread a table in the wilderness? 

 20  He struck the rock so that water gushed out 

and streams overflowed. 

  Can he also give bread 

or provide meat for his people?” 

21  Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of wrath; 

a fire was kindled against Jacob; 

his anger rose against Israel, 

 22  because they did not believe in God 

and did not trust his saving power. 

23  Yet he commanded the skies above 

and opened the doors of heaven, 

 24  and he rained down on them manna to eat 

and gave them the grain of heaven. 

 25  Man ate of the bread of the angels; 

he sent them food in abundance. 

 26  He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, 

and by his power he led out the south wind; 

 27  he rained meat on them like dust, 

winged birds like the sand of the seas; 

 28  he let them fall in the midst of their camp, 

all around their dwellings. 

 29  And they ate and were well filled, 

for he gave them what they craved. 

 30  But before they had satisfied their craving, 

while the food was still in their mouths, 

 31  the anger of God rose against them, 

and he killed the strongest of them 

and laid low the young men of Israel. 

 32  In spite of all this, they still sinned; 

despite his wonders, they did not believe. 

 33  So he made their days vanish like a breath, 

and their years in terror. 

 34  When he killed them, they sought him; 

they repented and sought God earnestly. 

 35  They remembered that God was their rock, 

the Most High God their redeemer. 

As we consider this psalm we see the importance of remembering. Asaph implores the people to listen to the stories he has to tell about God’s greatness, His majestic power, justice, holiness and reliable record of works. He calls them to remember - recall what God has done. It is vital that we take time to learn about and consider the works of God of old. From your own life, from others, previous generations as well as from the Bible. Make sure you are aware of the stories of God’s people and listen to others as they demonstrate and speak of what God has done. It will build your faith, encourage and help you in times of temptation and need. Do not have the attitude that your life and generation are so unique or that the past is irrelevant - that is pride and will lead to your downfall. Instead, ‘give ear’ to the sound teaching available to you. 

Asaph is a reliable source to listen to - he is a leader in the temple, renowned songwriter, worship leader and faithful servant of God. So it is worth listening to what he has discovered about the life of Israel and the character of God. He encourages those who hear his words to really listen and take onboard what he is saying because he knows the value of understanding the works of God and His character. Through the psalms he has written we have seen that Asaph points people to God even when he is struggling. By so doing he is demonstrating how to endure trials well, how to grow in faith and appreciate God. He shares his thoughts, questions and concerns, his actions and the conclusions he finds. Through these writings Asaph reveals something of his own, steadfast, faithful and faith-filled character as well as assuring us that God is always in charge, always compassionate, always strong and always caring. 

Where do you look to when you are full of concerns and questions? 

Do you have someone in your life like Asaph - a faith-filled man or woman who will show you God no matter what? It is worth seeking out the company of such people. Those who have a sound understanding of doctrine and are willing and able to share testimonies of God’s greatness (past and present). Ensure that you value people who have learnt about God’s love and forgiveness and can tell you stories of God’s patience, holiness, miracles and power. They will encourage and inspire you to keep going when life gets tough and may well help you avoid mistakes and disobedience when you listen to them. You need others to help inform your faith. There are those around you who know and understand more than you, that are wiser and more mature. They have been instructed to teach the younger generation (v5-7). These people wish to invest in you and help you avoid being part of ‘a stubborn and rebellious generation’ by leading you to, ‘not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments’. That is the one of the purposes of sharing testimonies and stories - to help you avoid the mistakes that previous God following people have made. The aim is to encourage you to avoid distractions and despair so that you can live a fulfilled and faithful life with God championing and protecting you. So, I encourage you to allow others to speak into your life in order to help you remember that ‘God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.’ There are wonderful, faithful, understanding people in your midst. Do not dismiss their stories or explanations, but take care to be informed and consider how these things impact your life today. Do ‘not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments’ and consider ‘the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done’! Then you won’t have to live under God’s wrath (v21-22, 31-34) but in His love, redemption and steadfast love. 

What do you do when you have questions?

 Psalm 77:1–20 (ESV):  

1  I cry aloud to God, 

aloud to God, and he will hear me. 

2  In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; 

in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; 

my soul refuses to be comforted. 

3  When I remember God, I moan; 

when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah 

4  You hold my eyelids open; 

I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 

5  I consider the days of old, 

the years long ago. 

6  I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; 

let me meditate in my heart.” 

Then my spirit made a diligent search: 

7  “Will the Lord spurn forever, 

and never again be favourable? 

8  Has his steadfast love forever ceased? 

Are his promises at an end for all time? 

9  Has God forgotten to be gracious? 

Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah 

10  Then I said, “I will appeal to this, 

to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 

11  I will remember the deeds of the Lord; 

yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 

12  I will ponder all your work, 

and meditate on your mighty deeds. 

13  Your way, O God, is holy. 

What god is great like our God? 

14  You are the God who works wonders; 

you have made known your might among the peoples. 

15  You with your arm redeemed your people, 

the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah 

16  When the waters saw you, O God, 

when the waters saw you, they were afraid; 

indeed, the deep trembled. 

17  The clouds poured out water; 

the skies gave forth thunder; 

your arrows flashed on every side. 

18  The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; 

your lightnings lighted up the world; 

the earth trembled and shook. 

19  Your way was through the sea, 

your path through the great waters; 

yet your footprints were unseen. 

20  You led your people like a flock 

by the hand of Moses and Aaron. 

Ever felt so distressed that you have lost sleep (v4)? Or had questions like Asaph does in V7–9?:  

7  “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favourable? 

8  Has his steadfast love forever ceased? 

Are his promises at an end for all time? 

9  Has God forgotten to be gracious? 

Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”’ 

It is ok to ask such things, to seek understanding and to even question God. Asaph was clearly in a troubled state and so he asked himself what did he really know about the character of God. He made an effort to search his own understanding, he looked at the past and considered what he knew. When you are in distress, you can do the same. Plus you also have the privilege of being able to access the Bible in your search, you do not need to rely purely on recent testimonies, but can also depend upon historical accounts of God and His people. What a comfort and strength that is for when you have such questions!

When you do wonder about what God is up to, don’t allow; culture, current news stories, other people or your own ideas frame the responses. Go to where you will get solid, unchanging answers and diligently search as Asaph did. He searched his memory for the stories of God’s people, he tried to discover the nature of God through accounts and he remembered how God has allowed suffering but always come through for those faithful to His name. Asaph, although in despair, chose not to just sit and mope but became active in seeking answers. He was curious and intent on finding a solution in the weary distress he was experiencing (v1-4). He was determined to figure out where God was, and so he set his mind saying, 'I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 12  I will ponder'. Asaph was determined to not allow this present trouble shake his faith, instead he ensured that he looked for God in it and made a thorough search of his memory and history to see God's overarching powerful presence. 

Asaph had questions, which can be unsettling, but quite natural, when you go through unforeseen and undesired events. Questions can also be a helpful way to process if you are asking the right ones. Asking why is rarely ever helpful or easy to find an answer to, but questions like the ones Asaph asked can be answered; will God leave forever? Has He forgotten His promises? Is He going to be angry all the time and not be gracious or compassionate? In order to resolve these fears and answer such queries Asaph set his mind to, ‘remember the deeds of the Lord’. He did some research, setting his mind to recall previous events in order to determine whether God’s love and anger are steadfast, and is He really going to fulfil His promises. Asaph needed to know these answers so he put in the time, effort and energy to diligently search out the solutions. He did not sit back and wait for God to prove himself, Asaph knew God has already done that, so Asaph went in search for what he needed to know, and he was satisfied. 

When you also take time to read the Bible, look at previous experiences and ponder on God’s work you too will discover the answers to the questions you need. You will find out if God is favourable, steadfast, loving, keeps His word and is compassionate. Life and His word will teach you these things. Even if you feel ‘so troubled I cannot speak’, you can still ‘consider the days of old’ and recall the times of God’s favour and bounty, then through these things learn about the nature of God. In order to endure difficult times well allow your spirit to make ‘a diligent search’. Put in the effort to discover and remember the great character of the Lord God, His mighty deeds and working of wonders. Then consider; is He loving, steadfast, compassionate, favourable and reliable?

Asaph recounts what He knows of God and some of the Israelite experiences and he sees God’s faithful love, miraculous power, compassion, kindness, fearsome might, and ability to do the impossible. Therefore, no matter what trouble occurs, cannot God display the same characteristics again?! God has rescued His people before and He will do so again (v19). You can be assured that God takes care of the righteous ones; the ones who love, follow and rely on Him. They will be rescued, redeemed and rewarded. Yet it is not always easy to see what He is doing. You have to to look deeply and diligently. Asaph notes that even though God led the Israelites through the Red Sea, His ‘footprints were unseen’. Unless you ensure that you are searching thoroughly for God in life, you may well miss what He is doing, you could miss seeing His footprints. It is easy to miss or overlook God’s influence, power and leading for His work can be ‘unseen’. 

Do you look for God’s unseen works in your life? You might miss them if you don’t, so why not ask Him to reveal His presence in the times of old and see what you discover about His character.

His name is Great

 Psalm 76:1–12 (ESV):  

1  In Judah God is known; 

his name is great in Israel. 

2  His abode has been established in Salem, 

his dwelling place in Zion. 

3  There he broke the flashing arrows, 

the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah 

4  Glorious are you, more majestic 

than the mountains full of prey. 

5  The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; 

they sank into sleep; 

all the men of war 

were unable to use their hands. 

6  At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, 

both rider and horse lay stunned. 

7  But you, you are to be feared! 

Who can stand before you 

when once your anger is roused? 

8  From the heavens you uttered judgment; 

the earth feared and was still, 

9  when God arose to establish judgment, 

to save all the humble of the earth. Selah 

10  Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; 

the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt. 

11  Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them; 

let all around him bring gifts 

to him who is to be feared, 

12  who cuts off the spirit of princes, 

who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. 

Who are what are you scared of? Are you fearful of God?

You should be! No-one and nothing else should cause you to tremble like the almighty power and righteousness of God. The original Hebrew word translated to fear in this psalm means; awesome, terrible and to revere (have deep respect or admiration). Do you see God as awesome and terrible? Do you revere Him and live with the realisation that to cross Him is a terrible thing because of His unimaginable power, majesty and justice?

Throughout this psalm we are reminded of the fearsome nature of God because it is good to have a reverent fear of Him. He is holy, just and powerful, and so He could do anything and everything to you -we cannot even stand before Him (v7). He breaks our efforts of destruction, stops our actions and causes us to be unmoved when our intentions are not His (v 3-5). Do you live in fear of Him? He should be feared even more than the greatest powers and rulers on Earth because they too are fearful of Him (v12). God's awesomeness should cause you to live in respect of Him. His power, might and justice should cause you to consider carefully the choices you make because you do not want to suffer the terrible reality of disobeying God. Do you live acknowledging the greatness and awesome terribleness of God?

Part of your response to this God that is feared should surely be obedience to Him. As He is so terrifyingly awesome and worthy of respect and admiration, are you doing what He has told you to? If you don't, then do not be surprised if you suffer the fate of verse 5 which tells us that even the 'stouthearted' were stripped of everything they had, incapable of response (asleep) and unable to protect themselves. For who can protect themselves against the Almighty?! 

Are you living in obedience to Him? 

When he brings rebuke and discipline, and His Word shows how you should be living different, do you take notice and change your life, or do you carry on in your ways? If you do the latter then you do not truly understand the fearsome nature of the loving and powerful God that is instructing you! Look at the many experiences of the Israelites when they disobeyed God - He let them go. He exiled them. In this psalm we see how God prevents those against Him from being successful, he takes away what they have and 'cuts off the spirits of princes'. Is that what you want for your life? Do you want to experience living a life with God, or being put away from Him and His goodness because He has instructed you to live a more holy and obedient life but you don’t want to? It can be hard, sacrificial, involve change and discomfort, but isn’t that less terrible than being left to your own devices without God?

In the present age there is much emphasis of the love and kindness of God, His forgiveness and acceptance which are absolutely true. However this generous, kind, loving God is also fearsome. I think our culture does not do much to consider the fearsome nature of God, in fact it seems to be minimised and not appreciated. Yet it is still true. This psalm reminds us of the majesty, power, rebuke, anger, judgement and fearsome character of God. These are displayed in a positive sense as in this psalm the God of Israel is fighting for the people of God and Asaph recalls His righteousness and might. The Israelite's enemies are stunned and stripped as God brought victory. ‘Men of war were unable to use their hands’, ‘rider and horse lay stunned’, 'who can stand’, ‘the earth feared and was still’, ‘God arose to establish judgement’. This is the same God we worship. His character has not changed, He is still the God who can lay His enemies to waste and exile disobedient people. How are you living your life in recognition of this? 

Do not take the love of God, His grace and mercy for granted otherwise you could experience the fate of those who do not honour Him. Instead, acknowledge, accept and appreciate that this loving God is also fearfully awesome. Then work out how to dutifully revere Him in your life. Is there anything you need to be doing differently in light of acknowledging God's great and fearsome nature?

God is near

 Psalm 75:1–10 (ESV):  

1  We give thanks to you, O God; 

we give thanks, for your name is near. 

We recount your wondrous deeds. 

2  “At the set time that I appoint 

I will judge with equity. 

3  When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, 

it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah 

4  I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ 

and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; 

5  do not lift up your horn on high, 

or speak with haughty neck.’ ” 

6  For not from the east or from the west 

and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, 

7  but it is God who executes judgment, 

putting down one and lifting up another. 

8  For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup 

with foaming wine, well mixed, 

and he pours out from it, 

and all the wicked of the earth 

shall drain it down to the dregs. 

9  But I will declare it forever; 

I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 

10  All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, 

but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up. 

What a great way to open a psalm, or even your prayers - to acknowledge and appreciate that God is near. You can utter His name and know His presence. What an incredible reassurance it is to recognise and appreciate God’s proximity. God is near. He is close to you right now, how wonderful! As you realise God’s closeness, can you like Asaph begin to recount God's 'wondrous deeds’? God has done some fantastic things, do you ever stop to consider them and appreciate Him for them? Recounting God’s fantastic works should be easy as there are so many but are you good at crediting God for the great and marvellous things He has done? Asaph says, ‘we recount your wondrous deeds’, there is a communal aspect to sharing what God has done (we). No matter how big or small the issue, do you share your stories of God’s magnificence in your life? Can you imagine the testimony that would be, not only to the church, but the community if we all did that? Surely you have a wonderful story of wonder to that tells about God's goodness - have you shared it with anyone recently?

God is worthy of gratitude no matter what. He has still done incredible things even when life is tough and, ‘the earth totters and all its inhabitants’. God is still just as close and magnificent in those times. Plus He is more solid, secure and trustworthy than those around you and even the solid ground that you stand on! For, ‘when the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars’. God is the strength and power that keeps things going and holds it all together. The Earth and your life will have times when it looks like they are shaky and falling apart, yet you can be assured that God is in control and will hold it all together. When the Earth shudders and disasters happen you can feel shaken, however you can also be sure that God is holding steady.

So, consider; what are you relying on in your life? What do you trust in and lean on to give you strength? It is only God that remains strong and secure throughout all circumstances and generations. He is the One who has already endured all things, do not build your life on or rely on anything lesser than Him. Those who live dishonouring God or in ignorance of His presence are living without His power, love, majesty and strength, are you?

Those who choose to live without God do not have Him holding things steady and do not get to enjoy His wondrous deeds or His glorious presence. Instead they are consumed with themselves and become arrogant, filled up with pride, boastful and drunk (v4-8). Living without God means living without stability, love and peace. So people try to live for something else and make themselves seem important. They try to outdo one another and be better because they are trying to impress themselves and other people. At times it works and they seem to be ‘lifted up’ having gained respect, honour and praise from people. Yet their favour can quickly change and those admired one moment can be despised the next. A life like that does not know stability, unconditional love or peace. Whose approval are you living for? Are you living to impress those around you, vying for acceptance, or are you living a life honouring God and concerned about what He thinks of you?

Not only will the ‘wicked’ who live without God become proud, boastful, resentful and intoxicated, but the promise in this psalm is that they will also be ‘cut off’. This is not without God trying to help them and intervene, verses 4-5 show that God calls to those disregarding Him and acting wickedly - He invites them to live different, but they refuse. One day it will be too late for them to do any different as God ‘executes judgement’. He promises that, ‘the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.’ All people will be judged, the wicked and the righteous (those that live following God). One set will be ‘lifted up’, the others ‘cut down’. Which fate will you receive? For God is close and He is worthy of great gratitude and love, are you living your life acknowledging and appreciating His presence in the World and your life?

Living as a community

Psalm 74:1–23 (ESV):  

1  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! 

4  Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place; 

they set up their own signs for signs. 

5  They were like those who swing axes 

in a forest of trees. 

6  And all its carved wood 

they broke down with hatchets and hammers. 

7  They set your sanctuary on fire; 

they profaned the dwelling place of your name, 

bringing it down to the ground. 

8  They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”; 

they burned all the meeting places of God in the land. 

9  We do not see our signs; 

there is no longer any prophet, 

and there is none among us who knows how long. 

10  How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? 

Is the enemy to revile your name forever? 

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

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

12  Yet God my King is from of old, 

working salvation in the midst of the earth. 

13  You divided the sea by your might; 

you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters. 

14  You crushed the heads of Leviathan; 

you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness. 

15  You split open springs and brooks; 

you dried up ever-flowing streams. 

16  Yours is the day, yours also the night; 

you have established the heavenly lights and the sun. 

17  You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; 

you have made summer and winter. 

18  Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, 

and a foolish people reviles your name. 

19  Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; 

do not forget the life of your poor forever. 

20  Have regard for the covenant, 

for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. 

21  Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; 

let the poor and needy praise your name. 

22  Arise, O God, defend your cause; 

remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day! 

23  Do not forget the clamour of your foes, 

the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually! 

Sometimes, God’s people are focusses for anger, deprivation and persecution. We can see that in the amount of times they were exiled in the Old Testament, plus the spread of the gospel in the New Testament was largely due to the persecution of God’s people. The same is true today. It can seem like God forgets, abandons and ignores His people. The people of God experience unfair treatment at times, they are hurt, ignored and harassed. Asaph saw what was going on in his time and felt that it was unfair how Israel were struggling. He felt God had forgotten or abandoned them, although he knew it wasn’t really true. He refers to Israel as ‘your heritage’, ‘your congregation’, ‘the sheep of your pasture’ clearly showing that Asaph is confident that Israel belongs to God and that they are His special, chosen ones. Yet sometimes it is hard to see that when the people of God are experiencing the longevity of suffering. Have you ever seen or heard the church being under attack or unfair restriction? I am sure in every collective of God’s people there are difficulties as the enemies of God are trying to put an end to holiness and faithfulness (v3). 

Asaph recalls how the dwelling place of God, the temple was desecrated (v3-8). The enemy enjoyed doing it and seeing the Israelites in pain, and it seemed that God was doing nothing. Even as His abode on Earth was attacked, burnt and chopped to pieces. Can you imagine being one of His people at that time having to live through this? Seeing the dwelling place of your God brought to ruins - how can you see God in moments like those? It would have been devastating, heartbreaking. It may have felt as if God had left. As we read accounts like this we know that these events happened because the people of God were unfaithful, so God was allowing them to suffer in order to bring them to repentance and salvation. Yet, can you imagine what it must have been like to go through it? There were always some faithful people around who were loyal to Him and tried to direct the Israelites to God and they suffered just as the unfaithful ones did. All of the Israelites suffered the judgement and punishment of God because the people of God are a collective; a flock, congregation, church. God’s people are not a bunch of individuals or a common interest group, but a family, a close knit tribe, a community. 

In Western culture this can be hard to fathom as the emphasis is on personal, independent, individual identity, not communal responsibility. When something goes wrong or well, the individual celebrates or commiserates, others may congratulate or comfort them but they are not so intimately acquainted with the individual’s situation that they take it on as their own experience. So this psalm shows us something different - that those who are set apart as God’s people are one; one flock, one congregation, one tribe (v1-2). The experiences they have are shared - communally celebrated and commiserated. There is togetherness and unity. When one family member is hurting, the whole family feels the pain. This is how it is with the people of God. They all undergo the joy and pain of being set apart as the people of God. 

This means that each individual has a responsibility for the welfare of the community of believers that they are a part of. Every believer is a part of the church and holds collective responsibility for the wellbeing of that community. You have a responsibility to live your life right not just for you, but because it also affects the community of believers that God has put you in. Your obedience or disobedience is not an independent decision as it affects everyone around you, you are part of the flock. The way you live and your faithfulness or sin affects the people in your life. You are part of something bigger than yourself, and you have responsibility to others in how you live. Your decisions matter, and you should consider the church when you make them as you are part of God's family and so what you do has consequences for them. 

Asaph is experiencing suffering because of the sin and disobedience of others, yet he doesn't cry out to God that it is unfair, that he hasn't done anything wrong so why should he be punished, instead he asks how long it will last, because the community of believers are hurting and getting a bad reputation, and he knows God cares, because they are His. The Israelites understood that they were part of a family, household, tribe and a nation. They understood they had personal responsibility to ensure they played their part. This is why Asaph calls for the deliverance of God’s people as a whole, not as individuals. For they are His flock (v1), congregation and tribe (v2) (all collective nouns). Asaph is calling for for communal redemption, not individual salvation. The redemption of all of the people of God is necessary, otherwise the community is incomplete and hurting. 

Your life is important to the community of God that you are a part of. You are important to your brothers and sisters, and you have a duty to honour and pray for them. Asaph takes on this mantle through this psalm as he petitions God for the nation’s salvation. He asks for the people of God, who are already set apart for Him, to be redeemed. For although God has saved us already, we still need redeeming! Even though we are connected and part of the family, the people of God still need to be brought back into God’s possession. How often do we forget who we are and make our own choices and just get on with life instead of considering that we are part of something bigger and more important? God still needs to redeem us. 

Do you pray, like Asaph, for the redemption of the tribe you are a part of? Do you live in consideration to your community when you make decisions for your own life? 

My feet had almost stumbled....

 Psalm 73:1–28 (ESV): 

1  Truly God is good to Israel, 

to those who 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 arrogant 

when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 

4  For they have no pangs until death; 

their bodies are fat and sleek. 

5  They are not in trouble as others are; 

they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 

6  Therefore pride is their necklace; 

violence covers them as a garment. 

7  Their eyes swell out through fatness; 

their hearts overflow with follies. 

8  They scoff and speak with malice; 

loftily they threaten oppression. 

9  They set their mouths against the heavens, 

and their tongue struts through the earth. 

10  Therefore his people turn back to them, 

and find no fault in them. 

11  And they say, “How can God know? 

Is there knowledge in the Most High?” 

12  Behold, these are the wicked; 

always at ease, they increase in riches. 

13  All in vain have I kept my heart clean 

and washed my hands in innocence. 

14  For all the day long I have been stricken 

and rebuked every morning. 

15  If I had said, “I will speak thus,” 

I would have betrayed the generation of your children. 

16  But when I thought how to understand this, 

it seemed to me a wearisome task, 

17  until I went into the sanctuary of God; 

then I discerned their end. 

18  Truly you set them in slippery places; 

you make them fall to ruin. 

19  How they are destroyed in a moment, 

swept away utterly by terrors! 

20  Like a dream when one awakes, 

O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms. 

21  When my soul was embittered, 

when I was pricked in heart, 

22  I was brutish and ignorant; 

I was like a beast toward you. 

23  Nevertheless, I am continually with you; 

you hold my right hand. 

24  You guide me with your counsel, 

and afterward you will receive me to glory. 

25  Whom have I in heaven but you? 

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 

26  My flesh and my heart may fail, 

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

27  For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; 

you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. 

28  But for me it is good to be near God; 

I have made the Lord God my refuge, 

that I may tell of all your works. 

Ever felt jealous and envious of those who do not follow God? Maybe because they ‘are not stricken like the rest of mankind’ and do not live to good moral standards yet seem to prosper. They seem to do better, have more stuff, and they enjoy life in a way you do not. Asaph clearly felt like this, he was jealous of the worldly gains of the wicked when he compared his life to theirs he saw that his is hard, and theirs easy. When you live your life following God it can feel like there are restrictions upon you, rules that stop you having the same type of fun and entering into certain relationships. If you have noticed this and it has bothered you, don’t worry, Asaph the chief musician of Israel from the tribe of Levi - a key worship leader, felt the same! 

If you compare your God-following life with those who do not, you can feel like you can’t do certain things, have less, give more, don’t seem to be as ‘lucky’ and life is a struggle most of the time. You talk different, dress different and act different because you faithfully follow what God has to say about these things instead of following the culture. However you undergo internal and external pressure, difficulty and stress as a result. Asaph saw this and admits, ‘my feet had almost stumbled’. He felt really pressured and enticed by the life of those who were living disregarding God, as he saw that the ‘wicked’ people ‘are not stricken like the rest of mankind’. They can do what they like and not care about it, their lot seems easy and enjoyable. So he was intrigued and found their lifestyle inviting. Asaph, one who has written many worship songs and prayers through the book of Psalms, and was responsible for leading others to honour, love and worship God felt like this. This shows me that none of us are exempt from temptation, we all want to have a fun and easy life, don't you?

Have you ever been tempted to join the ranks of the wicked? We probably all are, and some do. They look at the contrast between the people who follow God and those who do not, and the christian life looks restrictive, boring and responsible, so leading life without God seems simpler, freer and exciting. It is no wonder that Asaph observes that, ‘his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. And they say, “How can God know?”’ Have you noticed the same? Some people get fed up, and so when an attractive temptation comes along they convince themselves that it is not too bad, that “everyone is doing it” so it doesn’t really matter and, ‘How can God know?’ These people initially convince themselves that it is not so bad, and surely God wants them to have a good and easy life, maybe God won't even notice. Asaph admits that he, 'almost stumbled'.  He had begun to persuade himself that maybe there was a better life waiting for him outside of God's domain. Leading an ungodly life intrigued and enticed him as he saw that those who do not follow God are, ‘always at ease, they increase in riches.’ Asaph wondered, could he live his life like those others who do not follow God? For he has kept himself pure of heart and lived obeying God, leading worship, faithfully following and serving God’s people, but he does not have what these others do. Is that fair? (V13-14). His life is dutiful and God-honouring, but it is not always rewarding. In fact it can be boring and hard work at times.

Before Asaph gave up his faithful, obedient, God-honouring life, he spent some time considering this comparison he saw between the faithful and the wicked. He tried to get his head around it but he couldn’t, he says it wore him out (v16). It didn’t make sense to him and he got tired of trying to understand. So, what he did next was key. He didn’t just abandon the life he had been living following God to explore the alternative straight away, but he went to God (v17). 

The psalm does not say that he spoke to God about what was going on, but that he simply, ‘went into the sanctuary of God’. He met with God, placing himself in His presence. Even though at this time Asaph was feeling resentful, annoyed and hard done by, he still chose to be with God. Sometimes, just being in God’s presence, getting close to Him, spending time with him, with or without words or music, can cause things to make sense or to seem not that important any more. This is what Asaph found. Whilst in the presence of God, he had a revelation; ‘then I discerned their end’. Whilst in the presence of the Almighty, connecting with the creator and protector of life, Asaph has a realisation. He recognises that those who do not follow God, ‘are destroyed in a moment’. They may seemingly enjoy life and have much, but one day the life they have lived will end. The luxuries, fun, relationships and investment in earthly things will be; destroyed, broken apart, ruined. ‘For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you’ (V27). Is that the end you want to your life story? Asaph didn't!

So, no matter how enticing and enjoyable the present life of others looks, do not be tempted or distracted - they are heading for ruin. Instead, do as Asaph did and get into God’s presence. Spend time with Him. Then you will see the reality of a life lived away from Him. Do you want to take the risk of having a lifestyle that is seemingly good now, at the expense of the eternal peace, comfort and steadfast love that God gives? Is anything worth sacrificing that for? When you are tempted to live a different kind of life, to sin, to turn your back on faith, what is your response? Asaph, ‘went into the sanctuary of God’. He approached God, chose to get near to Him. He didn’t hide, run away or follow the wicked, but he went into the sanctuary - into God’s presence. Why not try that for yourself next time temptation comes - chose to get close to God and see what will be revealed to you. Asaph declares, ‘for me it is good to be near God’ and, 'there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you', what do you think?

When you seek change, are you prepared for the change to start with you?

 Psalm 72:1–20 (ESV):  

1  Give the king your justice, O God, 

and your righteousness to the royal son! 

2  May he judge your people with righteousness, 

and your poor with justice! 

3  Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, 

and the hills, in righteousness! 

4  May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, 

give deliverance to the children of the needy, 

and crush the oppressor! 

5  May they fear you while the sun endures, 

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! 

6  May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, 

like showers that water the earth! 

7  In his days may the righteous flourish, 

and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 

8  May he have dominion from sea to sea, 

and from the River to the ends of the earth! 

9  May desert tribes bow down before him, 

and his enemies lick the dust! 

10  May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands 

render him tribute; 

may the kings of Sheba and Seba 

bring gifts! 

11  May all kings fall down before him, 

all nations serve him! 

12  For he delivers the needy when he calls, 

the poor and him who has no helper. 

13  He has pity on the weak and the needy, 

and saves the lives of the needy. 

14  From oppression and violence he redeems their life, 

and precious is their blood in his sight. 

15  Long may he live; 

may gold of Sheba be given to him! 

May prayer be made for him continually, 

and blessings invoked for him all the day! 

16  May there be abundance of grain in the land; 

on the tops of the mountains may it wave; 

may its fruit be like Lebanon; 

and may people blossom in the cities 

like the grass of the field! 

17  May his name endure forever, 

his fame continue as long as the sun! 

May people be blessed in him, 

all nations call him blessed! 

18  Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, 

who alone does wondrous things. 

19  Blessed be his glorious name forever; 

may the whole earth be filled with his glory! 

Amen and Amen! 

20  The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. 

Solomon (the king’s son) here is asking for God to give him the character and gifts needed to lead the nation well. He knows he will inherit the throne of his father, David, so he is preparing himself to lead. Therefore as he takes on this mammoth task, he asks for God’s help and blessing in the role. He is clearly not confident or sure of what he will need to do, but he is sure that God can help him and the nation. He prays for the kind of rule he wants, and the kind of kingdom that anyone would like to lead - righteous, just, prosperous, protected, free and God-honouring. Solomon knows that he cannot achieve this alone, and he knows the battles his father has fought to protect this people, so he is under no illusion that being monarch is going to be easy! Therefore he asks God for help, and for his character to be moulded into the king that the nation needs. Solomon is prepared to do the hard work of changing himself in otder to be the vessel God and the Israelites need (notice all the times he says 'may he'). When you pray for change, are you prepared for the change to start with you?

Solomon understands that in order to lead the nation into peace and justice that he will have to handle judgements and he desires to do that right. He needs the spirit of God to help him discern, so he asks. He goes to God and asks Him to help, do you? Whatever is needed to do the tasks you are given in life, do you ask God to help you do them well? Solomon did. He knew change was required for the benefit of the people he was serving, and he asks God for it even if that means he has to change, learn and stretch himself. Solomon recognises that he needs to take responsibility, but it is scary and too big a job for him. His vision and ideal reign will be peaceful and prosperous, so he asks God to deliver it and transform him into the kind of person that can lead a nation like that. He firstly asks to become just and righteous (v1-2), then he goes onto ask for courage to defend those with the least and defeat ‘the oppressor’ (v4), next he asks that he refreshes the people of Israel (v6-7). He does not want to be a burden, but a blessing, He wants to enable the country to flourish, and so realises that there are expectations and responsibilities that he needs to take on that he doesn’t feel ready for. Therefore he needs the power of God to come! To change him, to provide and go before him. 

Solomon must have learnt from his Dad how to pray! He must have seen him crying out in distress, praising and petitioning God for help. He may have read some of the songs and prayers David wrote. He had seen the success of a life lived depending on God, and reigning from an attitude of God first, and so he copied this successful way. Solomon had seen that the fear of God from the king will cause the nation to prosper (v5). As he wants to rule well and for a long time (v6-7), for a wide expanse of land (v8-11) in a peaceful time, and for the nation to be renowned for peace, justice and prosperity, Solomon knows he has to look to God for it. He trusts God for the things yet unknown and unrealised because he has experienced the success of his father's relationship with God and seen how that has brought salvation and restoration to Israel. So as the time approaches for him to be the leader, he desires to continue to develop and grow the nation into goodness. He was aware that David and his mother,  Bathsheba, were preparing him to be king, so he wanted to prepare himself. Therefore he sought God so that he could become the man God needed to rule Israel. He was prepared for the change to start with him.

We know that these things Solomon prayed for came about. Israel knew peace and prosperity during his reign, and he was known as a wise and just king, other kings voluntarily paid homage to Solomon voluntarily (v10). God gave Solomon what he had asked for. After all, Solomon had prayed for what God desired already, and so it came about plus Solomon was willing to change himself first in order to complete his job well. He asked God for His assistance in the everyday things that he needed to do, knowing that there was personal development required, and he trusted God with the vision he had for the future. We can read this psalm and conclude that Solomon was asking for the perfect nation, and why not?! Why limit your expectations of what God can do? Solomon didn’t, and look at the nation of Israel when he ruled - he was known to be wise and just, and Israel was a peaceful and prosperous nation with other kings and queens voluntarily bringing him gifts and learning from him. Solomon prayed for big things, and God delivered. Solomon allowed himself to be changed first so that the nation could be transformed, and it happened. When you desire change, are you prepared for it to start with you?  Will you ask God to help and prepare you for today and the future, asking Him to help you be the change He needs?