In dark times can we feel like God has rejected us? Do we keep praying during those times? Let’s look at Psalm 74.
A contemplation by Asaph. (WEB)
Has God rejected us forever? Does He remember His purchased people?
O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Remember the nation you purchased long ago, the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—Mount Zion, where you dwelt. Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary. (Ps 74:1-3 NIV)
Do God’s enemies sometimes disrupt the meeting place? Is their motive to destroy?
Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; They set up their banners for signs. They seem like men who lift up Axes among the thick trees. And now they break down its carved work, all at once, With axes and hammers. They have set fire to Your sanctuary; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land. (Ps 74:4-8 NKJV)
Have miraculous signs disappeared from our meetings? Have faithful preachers of God’s word gone?
We no longer see your miraculous signs. All the prophets are gone, and no one can tell us when it will end. How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever? Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them. (Ps 74:9-11 NLT)
Who is our true King? Who alone saves the earth and provides for us?
Yet God is my King of old, working salvation throughout the earth. You divided the sea by your strength. You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters. You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces. You gave him as food to people and desert creatures. You opened up spring and stream. You dried up mighty rivers. The day is yours, the night is also yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the boundaries of the earth. You have made summer and winter. (Ps 74:12-17 WEB)
Do we ask God to remember how atheists abuse His name? Do we still trust God in the midst of both mild and severe persecution?
So remember this, Lord: how enemies have insulted you, how unbelieving fools have abused your name. Don’t deliver the life of your dove to wild animals! Don’t forget the lives of your afflicted people forever! Consider the covenant! Because the land’s dark places are full of violence. Don’t let the oppressed live in shame. No, let the poor and needy praise your name! (Ps 74:18-21 CEB)
Should we learn to keep the peace in our churches, disagree agreeably over non-essentials of our common faith, or argue and cause trouble?
People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom. (Gal 5:19-21 CEV)
In dark times can we feel like God has rejected us? Do we keep praying during those times? You decide!
Pure in Heart (Psalm 73)
What are some of the characteristics of a life devoted to God and one devoted to selfishness? Let’s look at Psalm 73.
A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Do we respect pure hearts or envy the temporary wealth of the arrogant wicked?
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm. They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men. (Ps 73:1-5 WEB)
Are arrogance, self-delusion, cruel talk, oppression and blasphemy against heaven markers of wicked people?
That’s why they wear arrogance like a necklace, why violence covers them like clothes. Their eyes bulge out from eating so well; their hearts overflow with delusions. They scoff and talk so cruel; from their privileged positions they plan oppression. Their mouths dare to speak against heaven! Their tongues roam the earth! (Ps 73:6-9 CEB)
Is there hope for God’s people, a hope that trusts that God will bring His people back?
God will bring his people back, and they will drink the water he so freely gives. (Ps 73:10 CEV)
What motivates arrogant wicked people? Have we kept our hearts clean in vain?
And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children. (Ps 73:11-15 ESV)
If we keep trying, can we eventually understand the destiny of wicked people?
When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. (Ps 73:16-17 HCSB)
What is the end result of an evil and arrogant lifestyle?
You have certainly set them in slippery places; you will make them fall to their ruin. How desolate they quickly become, completely destroyed by calamities. Like a dream when one awakens, Lord, you will despise their image when you arise. When I chose to be bitter I was emotionally pained. Then, I was too stupid and didn’t realize I was acting like a wild animal with you. (Ps 73:18-22 ISV)
Even in the midst of great difficulties, do we trust that God is continually with us?
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Ps 73:23-24 KJV)
Have we gotten to that point in our spiritual growth that we desire nothing on earth, only God?
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart fail, But God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed everyone who is unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have set Lord Yahweh as my refuge, That I may recount all Your works. (Ps 73:25-28 LSB)
What did Jesus say about materialists who make no time for God?
And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began thinking to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and I will store all my grain and my goods there. And I will say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God.” (Luke 12:16-21 NASB)
What are some of the characteristics of a life devoted to God and one devoted to selfishness? You decide!
A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Do we respect pure hearts or envy the temporary wealth of the arrogant wicked?
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm. They are free from burdens of men, neither are they plagued like other men. (Ps 73:1-5 WEB)
Are arrogance, self-delusion, cruel talk, oppression and blasphemy against heaven markers of wicked people?
That’s why they wear arrogance like a necklace, why violence covers them like clothes. Their eyes bulge out from eating so well; their hearts overflow with delusions. They scoff and talk so cruel; from their privileged positions they plan oppression. Their mouths dare to speak against heaven! Their tongues roam the earth! (Ps 73:6-9 CEB)
Is there hope for God’s people, a hope that trusts that God will bring His people back?
God will bring his people back, and they will drink the water he so freely gives. (Ps 73:10 CEV)
What motivates arrogant wicked people? Have we kept our hearts clean in vain?
And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches. All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have betrayed the generation of your children. (Ps 73:11-15 ESV)
If we keep trying, can we eventually understand the destiny of wicked people?
When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny. (Ps 73:16-17 HCSB)
What is the end result of an evil and arrogant lifestyle?
You have certainly set them in slippery places; you will make them fall to their ruin. How desolate they quickly become, completely destroyed by calamities. Like a dream when one awakens, Lord, you will despise their image when you arise. When I chose to be bitter I was emotionally pained. Then, I was too stupid and didn’t realize I was acting like a wild animal with you. (Ps 73:18-22 ISV)
Even in the midst of great difficulties, do we trust that God is continually with us?
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Ps 73:23-24 KJV)
Have we gotten to that point in our spiritual growth that we desire nothing on earth, only God?
Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart fail, But God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever. For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed everyone who is unfaithful to You. But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have set Lord Yahweh as my refuge, That I may recount all Your works. (Ps 73:25-28 LSB)
What did Jesus say about materialists who make no time for God?
And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began thinking to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and I will store all my grain and my goods there. And I will say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God.” (Luke 12:16-21 NASB)
What are some of the characteristics of a life devoted to God and one devoted to selfishness? You decide!
A Just King (Psalm 72)
Is there a king who will crush the oppressor, whom all nations will serve and be blessed by? Let’s look at Psalm 72.
By Solomon. (WEB)
Should we expect a king who brings justice, brings prosperity, righteousness, relieves the poor and destroys oppression?
God, endow the king with ability to render your justice, and the king’s son to render your right decisions. May he rule your people with right decisions and your oppressed ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people and the hills bring righteousness. May he defend the afflicted of the people and deliver the children of the poor, but crush the oppressor. (Ps 72:1-4 ISV)
Under such a good king will the poor and needy learn to fear God?
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. (Ps 72:5-6 KJV)
Under a righteous king will honest and God-fearing people flourish? Will all nations eventually serve our King?
May the righteous flourish in his days, And abundance of peace until the moon is no more. May he also have dominion from sea to sea And from the River to the ends of the earth. Let the desert creatures kneel before him, And his enemies lick the dust. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands bring a present; The kings of Sheba and Seba offer tribute. And let all kings bow down to him, All nations serve him. (Ps 72:7-11 LSB)
Unlike many national leaders, does our eternal King help the needy rather than pander to the wealthy and powerful?
For he will save the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And he will save the lives of the needy. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, And their blood will be precious in his sight; So may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; And they are to pray for him continually; They are to bless him all day long. (Ps 72:12-15 NASB)
May this king’s name endure forever? Does He bless all nations?
May grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May the crops flourish like Lebanon and thrive like the grass of the field. May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed. (Ps 72:16-17 NIV)
Is this the conclusion to a section of Psalms that is called the prayers of David?
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. (Ps 72:18-20 NKJV)
Who is this mysterious king that will bless all nations of the world?
“The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15 NLT)
Is there a king who will crush the oppressor, whom all nations will serve and be blessed by? You decide!
By Solomon. (WEB)
Should we expect a king who brings justice, brings prosperity, righteousness, relieves the poor and destroys oppression?
God, endow the king with ability to render your justice, and the king’s son to render your right decisions. May he rule your people with right decisions and your oppressed ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people and the hills bring righteousness. May he defend the afflicted of the people and deliver the children of the poor, but crush the oppressor. (Ps 72:1-4 ISV)
Under such a good king will the poor and needy learn to fear God?
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. (Ps 72:5-6 KJV)
Under a righteous king will honest and God-fearing people flourish? Will all nations eventually serve our King?
May the righteous flourish in his days, And abundance of peace until the moon is no more. May he also have dominion from sea to sea And from the River to the ends of the earth. Let the desert creatures kneel before him, And his enemies lick the dust. Let the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands bring a present; The kings of Sheba and Seba offer tribute. And let all kings bow down to him, All nations serve him. (Ps 72:7-11 LSB)
Unlike many national leaders, does our eternal King help the needy rather than pander to the wealthy and powerful?
For he will save the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And he will save the lives of the needy. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, And their blood will be precious in his sight; So may he live, and may the gold of Sheba be given to him; And they are to pray for him continually; They are to bless him all day long. (Ps 72:12-15 NASB)
May this king’s name endure forever? Does He bless all nations?
May grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May the crops flourish like Lebanon and thrive like the grass of the field. May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed. (Ps 72:16-17 NIV)
Is this the conclusion to a section of Psalms that is called the prayers of David?
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. (Ps 72:18-20 NKJV)
Who is this mysterious king that will bless all nations of the world?
“The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 11:15 NLT)
Is there a king who will crush the oppressor, whom all nations will serve and be blessed by? You decide!
Protection (Psalm 71)
In a dangerous world that takes advantage of people, who can rescue us reliably? Let’s look at Psalm 71.
Where is the most reliable place for protection, for refuge and safety?
O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free. Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors. O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! (Ps 71:1-6 NLT)
In old age will we feel even more vulnerable to robbery, elder financial abuse, fraud? Will we still trust in God’s protection when we become old and feeble?
I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all day long. Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails. For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together, saying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.” (Ps 71:7-11 WEB)
Are there circumstances when we need God to intervene quickly? Do we meditate on the many times God rescued people throughout the Bible?
Don’t be far from me, God! My God, hurry to help me! Let my accusers be put to shame, completely finished off! Let those who seek my downfall be dressed in insults and disgrace! But me? I will hope. Always. I will add to all your praise. My mouth will repeat your righteous acts and your saving deeds all day long. I don’t even know how many of those there are! I will dwell on your mighty acts, my Lord. Lord, I will help others remember nothing but your righteous deeds. (Ps 71:12-16 CEB)
Have we known God since childhood, or come to faith at a later age? Will the next generation listen to us? Do we trust that God has a blessing awaiting after we suffer?
You have taught me since I was a child, and I never stop telling about your marvelous deeds. Don't leave me when I am old and my hair turns gray. Let me tell future generations about your mighty power. Your deeds of kindness are known in the heavens. No one is like you! You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life. You will make me truly great and take my sorrow away. (Ps 71:17-21 CEV)
Are stringed instruments appropriate? Do we sing and shout for joy, or are we too shy, too conservative for that? Is our conversation God-centered?
I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt. (Ps 21:22-24 ESV)
Does God keep protecting those who are His, who are reborn of Him?
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the One who is born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. (1 John 5:18 HCSB)
In a dangerous world that takes advantage of people, who can rescue us reliably? You decide!
Where is the most reliable place for protection, for refuge and safety?
O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me and rescue me, for you do what is right. Turn your ear to listen to me, and set me free. Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of cruel oppressors. O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! (Ps 71:1-6 NLT)
In old age will we feel even more vulnerable to robbery, elder financial abuse, fraud? Will we still trust in God’s protection when we become old and feeble?
I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge. My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all day long. Don’t reject me in my old age. Don’t forsake me when my strength fails. For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together, saying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.” (Ps 71:7-11 WEB)
Are there circumstances when we need God to intervene quickly? Do we meditate on the many times God rescued people throughout the Bible?
Don’t be far from me, God! My God, hurry to help me! Let my accusers be put to shame, completely finished off! Let those who seek my downfall be dressed in insults and disgrace! But me? I will hope. Always. I will add to all your praise. My mouth will repeat your righteous acts and your saving deeds all day long. I don’t even know how many of those there are! I will dwell on your mighty acts, my Lord. Lord, I will help others remember nothing but your righteous deeds. (Ps 71:12-16 CEB)
Have we known God since childhood, or come to faith at a later age? Will the next generation listen to us? Do we trust that God has a blessing awaiting after we suffer?
You have taught me since I was a child, and I never stop telling about your marvelous deeds. Don't leave me when I am old and my hair turns gray. Let me tell future generations about your mighty power. Your deeds of kindness are known in the heavens. No one is like you! You made me suffer a lot, but you will bring me back from this deep pit and give me new life. You will make me truly great and take my sorrow away. (Ps 71:17-21 CEV)
Are stringed instruments appropriate? Do we sing and shout for joy, or are we too shy, too conservative for that? Is our conversation God-centered?
I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long, for they have been put to shame and disappointed who sought to do me hurt. (Ps 21:22-24 ESV)
Does God keep protecting those who are His, who are reborn of Him?
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the One who is born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. (1 John 5:18 HCSB)
In a dangerous world that takes advantage of people, who can rescue us reliably? You decide!
Hurry Lord (Psalm 70)
In urgent circumstances do we look to the Lord for immediate help? Let’s look at Psalm 70 (cp. Psalm 40:13-17).
For the Chief Musician. By David. A reminder. (WEB)
Have we ever cried out to God to save us in an emergency?
God, come to my rescue. Lord, hurry to help me. (Ps 70:1 ISV)
Have we ever been pursued by those who would ruin our lives, our reputations, our safety?
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt. (Ps 70:2 KJV)
Do some mock and make fun of us with know-it-all attitudes? Will God shame them?
Let those turn back because of their shame Who say, “Aha, aha!” (Ps 70:3 LSB)
Is there joy in the Lord despite the hatred we sometimes receive from the world?
May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And may those who love Your salvation say continually, “May God be exalted!” (Ps 70:4 NASB)
Is humility a pretense or simply facing the truth, that even the wealthiest of us is in reality poor and needy?
But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay. (Ps 70:5 NIV)
If humility is a reality check and arrogance a delusion, does God lift up the humble because they value truth over self-deception? Do we?
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10 NKJV)
In urgent circumstances do we look to the Lord for immediate help? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. By David. A reminder. (WEB)
Have we ever cried out to God to save us in an emergency?
God, come to my rescue. Lord, hurry to help me. (Ps 70:1 ISV)
Have we ever been pursued by those who would ruin our lives, our reputations, our safety?
Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt. (Ps 70:2 KJV)
Do some mock and make fun of us with know-it-all attitudes? Will God shame them?
Let those turn back because of their shame Who say, “Aha, aha!” (Ps 70:3 LSB)
Is there joy in the Lord despite the hatred we sometimes receive from the world?
May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And may those who love Your salvation say continually, “May God be exalted!” (Ps 70:4 NASB)
Is humility a pretense or simply facing the truth, that even the wealthiest of us is in reality poor and needy?
But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay. (Ps 70:5 NIV)
If humility is a reality check and arrogance a delusion, does God lift up the humble because they value truth over self-deception? Do we?
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10 NKJV)
In urgent circumstances do we look to the Lord for immediate help? You decide!
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