“As the fire burns the woods, And as the flame sets the mountains on fire, So pursue them with Your tempest, And frighten them with Your storm. Fill their faces with shame, That they may seek Your name, O Lord.”
Psalms 83:14-16 NKJV
Asaph, in this Psalm, is looking for justice, but even in his quest for justice, his goal is for the Lord’s name to be sought.
“Arise, O God, judge the earth; For You shall inherit all nations.”
Psalms 82:8 NKJV
I have heard much said about the Lord giving us the nations as our inheritance, but the reality is they are all His now because Jesus ransomed them to Him. Originally He chose the children of Israel, but His plan all along was to adopt the whole earth, through Jesus. I believe that is what this verse is telling us. He is asking God to arise (perhaps even meaning from the dead) and judge the world.
“I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. “But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels. “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn My hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him, But their fate would endure forever. He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; And with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.””
Psalms 81:10-16 NKJV
Of course the Psalmist is speaking to Israel, but this really applies to anyone of Christian faith. Our slavery was not in Egypt, it was our sin. But the Lord delivered us! Yet we’re still try to do our own thing. If we would only put our faith wholly in Him, He would provide only good things but we often don’t, so he gives in and lets us fail.
“Restore us, O God of hosts; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!”
Psalms 80:7 NKJV
Restoration, and joy comes from the Lord. I can never, ever forget that.
“Help us, O God of our salvation, For the glory of Your name; And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, For Your name’s sake!”
Psalms 79:9 NKJV
Israel is in a bad way, and while Asaph, the Psalmist, is crying out to God, at the end, he is pointing out that God ultimately has a purpose – which ultimately is for His name to be known.
“When He slew them, then they sought Him; And they returned and sought earnestly for God. Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.”
Psalms 78:34-35 NKJV
Asaph is thinking on the coming and goings of the children of Israel from the time they left Egypt. Throughout this chapter he reminds us how they perpetually sinned against God, and turned away from Him, despite seeing His marvelous works. These verses stood out to me though, because when He pulled back His blessing and they began to suffer – then they turned to Him.
It is so easy to become complacent when things are going well, and God knows this – so I believe that is when He sends obstacles our way…
“Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.”
Psalms 77:7-12 NKJV
I can relate. Just two days ago I had a really major blow, one that caused me to be disillusioned and even called my faith into question. But how can I do this? How can I question my faith when I think of all the has done for me? When I look on the works of His hands?
“Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself.”
Psalms 76:10 NKJV
The wrath of man is nothing compared to that of God, but it can be turned to praise to God.
“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”
Psalms 75:1 NKJV
Yes! God’s works declare His Name is near! Where His Great Name is, that is where He is!!!
Look around, look at all He has done – He is with me! What have I got to fear? What is fear? It is a tool of the devil, and I will not let it get the best of me. NEVER!
“O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, The tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed— This Mount Zion where You have dwelt.”
Psalms 74:1-2 NKJV
I can feel like this at times. Like God has left me to my own devices, but I know He bought me – Jesus bought me, with His blood – He won’t forsake me. Trials are to make me better and stronger.
The Lampstand 