Have you ever felt overwhelmed by adversity, wondering where God is in the midst of your struggles?
In Psalm 74, we find the psalmist grappling with similar questions as he reflects on the destruction of Jerusalem and the seeming absence of God’s intervention.
Reconnect: As we delve into Psalm 74, we are reminded of the importance of trusting God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the darkest moments of life’s challenges.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
An Appeal against the Devastation of the Land by the Enemy.
A Maskil of Asaph.
1O God, why have You rejected us forever?
Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
2Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old,
Which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance;
And this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.
3Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins;
The enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary.
4Your adversaries have roared in the midst of Your meeting place;
They have set up their own standards for signs.
5It seems as if one had lifted up
His axe in a forest of trees.
6And now all its carved work
They smash with hatchet and hammers.
7They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground;
They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name.
8They said in their heart, “Let us completely subdue them.”
They have burned all the meeting places of God in the land.
9We do not see our signs;
There is no longer any prophet,
Nor is there any among us who knows how long.
10How long, O God, will the adversary revile,
And the enemy spurn Your name forever?
11Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand?
From within Your bosom, destroy them!
12Yet God is my king from of old,
Who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.
13You divided the sea by Your strength;
You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters.
14You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
You gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.
15You broke open springs and torrents;
You dried up ever-flowing streams.
16Yours is the day, Yours also is the night;
You have prepared the light and the sun.
17You have established all the boundaries of the earth;
You have made summer and winter.
18Remember this, O LORD, that the enemy has reviled,
And a foolish people has spurned Your name.
19Do not deliver the soul of Your turtledove to the wild beast;
Do not forget the life of Your afflicted forever.
20Consider the covenant;
For the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
21Let not the oppressed return dishonored;
Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name.
22Arise, O God, and plead Your own cause;
Remember how the foolish man reproaches You all day long.
23Do not forget the voice of Your adversaries,
The uproar of those who rise against You which ascends continually.
Summary Key Points:
- A Cry for Help in Desolation: The psalmist laments the devastation of Jerusalem, describing the destruction of the temple and the desecration of sacred spaces. He cries out to God for deliverance, questioning why God seems absent in the face of such calamity.
- Remembering God’s Past Deeds: Amidst his despair, the psalmist recalls God’s mighty works in the past, including the parting of the Red Sea and the defeat of Israel’s enemies. He acknowledges God’s sovereignty and power, appealing to him to act once again on behalf of his people.
- Affirming God’s Sovereignty: Despite the apparent silence of God, the psalmist affirms his belief in God’s sovereignty over all creation. He acknowledges that God alone is the one who established the boundaries of the earth and controls the destinies of nations.
- A Call to Action in Faith: In the face of adversity, the psalmist encourages the people to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s promises. He urges them to take refuge in God’s unfailing love and to persevere in prayer and supplication.
Call to Action:
- Turn to God in Prayer: In times of trouble, let us turn to God in prayer, pouring out our hearts before him and seeking his guidance and comfort.
- Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past, recalling his mighty deeds and provision, and trust that he will continue to sustain us through every trial.
- Stand Firm in Hope: Despite the uncertainties of life, let us stand firm in our hope in God’s promises, knowing that he is always with us and will never forsake us.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, in times of trouble and uncertainty, we turn to you as our rock and refuge. Help us to trust in your sovereignty and faithfulness, knowing that you are always near to those who call upon your name. Grant us the strength to persevere in faith, confident in your provision and protection. In Jesus’ name, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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