Where is God’s presence today? Do we desire to be there where He dwells? Let’s look at Psalm 84.
For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. (WEB)
Though God is omnipresent, was His presence once focused on the Temple? Does He dwell in us today? If so, do we love being among those in whom God dwells?
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. (Ps 84:1-2 ESV)
Do we love fellowshipping with God’s people, where He dwells today, or are we loners? Is our home among fellow Christians?
Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young—near Your altars, Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise You continually. Selah (Ps 84:3-4 HCSB)
Will those whose heart is on God’s path be given water in a spiritual desert, like the Baca Valley?
How happy are those whose strength is in you, whose heart is on your path. They will pass through the Baca Valley where he will prepare a spring for them; even the early rain will cover it with blessings. They will walk from strength to strength; each will appear before God in Zion. (Ps 84:5-7 ISV)
In our pilgrimage how important is prayer throughout the day?
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. (Ps 84:8 KJV)
How do we view the assembly of the saints? Do we see beyond the faulty humanity in our assemblies and trust in God?
See our shield, O God, And look upon the face of Your anointed. For better is a day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would choose to stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For Yahweh God is a sun and shield; Yahweh gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk blamelessly. O Yahweh of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Ps 84:9-12 LSB)
Where is God’s temple today? Do we have a zeal to be there among those in whom God’s Spirit dwells?
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16 NASB)
Where is God’s presence today? Do we desire to be there where He dwells? You decide!
Do Not Keep Silent (Psalm 83)
If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? Let’s look at Psalm 83.
A song. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Does it sometimes seem like God is silent or still, when enemies attack?
Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” (Ps 83:1-4 NKJV)
Who are our Edomites and Ishmaelites who are allied against us? Are they really against God?
Yes, this was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you—these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 83:5-8 NLT)
As God has protected His people in the past, will He again, if we are faithful?
Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon; who perished at Endor, who became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let’s take possession of God’s pasture lands.” (Ps 83:9-12 WEB)
Do we recognize and look forward to God’s justice on His enemies? Is the purpose of divine punishment shame, motivation to seek God’s name?
My God, make them like tumbleweeds, like chaff blown by wind. Just like a fire consumes a forest, just like flames set mountains ablaze, pursue them with your storm, terrify them with your hurricane. Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they might seek your name. Let them be shamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace. Let them know that you—your name is the Lord!—you alone are Most High over all the earth. (Ps 83:13-18 CEB)
Is God’s motive of repentance behind His punishment also mentioned by Peter?
The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Pet 3:9 CEV)
If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? You decide!
A song. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Does it sometimes seem like God is silent or still, when enemies attack?
Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” (Ps 83:1-4 NKJV)
Who are our Edomites and Ishmaelites who are allied against us? Are they really against God?
Yes, this was their unanimous decision. They signed a treaty as allies against you—these Edomites and Ishmaelites; Moabites and Hagrites; Gebalites, Ammonites, and Amalekites; and people from Philistia and Tyre. Assyria has joined them, too, and is allied with the descendants of Lot. Interlude [Selah] (Ps 83:5-8 NLT)
As God has protected His people in the past, will He again, if we are faithful?
Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon; who perished at Endor, who became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, who said, “Let’s take possession of God’s pasture lands.” (Ps 83:9-12 WEB)
Do we recognize and look forward to God’s justice on His enemies? Is the purpose of divine punishment shame, motivation to seek God’s name?
My God, make them like tumbleweeds, like chaff blown by wind. Just like a fire consumes a forest, just like flames set mountains ablaze, pursue them with your storm, terrify them with your hurricane. Cover their faces with shame, Lord, so that they might seek your name. Let them be shamed and terrified forever. Let them die in disgrace. Let them know that you—your name is the Lord!—you alone are Most High over all the earth. (Ps 83:13-18 CEB)
Is God’s motive of repentance behind His punishment also mentioned by Peter?
The Lord isn't slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. (2 Pet 3:9 CEV)
If we are to love our enemies, does God? Is His motive for punishment so that they might seek God’s name? You decide!
God Takes His Stand (Psalm 82)
Will God give justice to the poor and needy and teach the self-righteous wicked some humility? Let’s look at Psalm 82.
A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Have we ever asked God why He allows the wicked to prosper so long, seemingly delaying judgment on them?
God takes his stand in the divine assembly; among the divine beings he renders judgment: “How long will you judge partially by showing favor on the wicked?” Interlude (Ps 82:1-2 ISV)
Why do some Christians hard-heartedly mock the poor and needy, blaming them for their plight, rather than blame the wicked, the greedy, the oppressors? How does God say we should treat the poor and needy?
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. (Ps 82:3-5 KJV)
Have we ever experienced believers who get arrogant and self-righteous about their standing with God? Would God let us fall to humble us?
I said, “You are gods, And all of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you will die like men And you will fall like any one of the princes.” (Ps 82:6-7 LSB)
Is there a time way beyond any temporary punishment God delivers to teach us important lessons, a time when the whole earth will be ruled by God?
Arise, God, judge the earth! For You possess all the nations. (Ps 82:8 NASB)
Is pure religion just rituals, attendance, tongues, abstinence, tithes, veils, rosaries, and icons or is there something far more important?
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (Jas 1:26-27 NIV)
Will God give justice to the poor and needy and teach the self-righteous wicked some humility? You decide!
A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Have we ever asked God why He allows the wicked to prosper so long, seemingly delaying judgment on them?
God takes his stand in the divine assembly; among the divine beings he renders judgment: “How long will you judge partially by showing favor on the wicked?” Interlude (Ps 82:1-2 ISV)
Why do some Christians hard-heartedly mock the poor and needy, blaming them for their plight, rather than blame the wicked, the greedy, the oppressors? How does God say we should treat the poor and needy?
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. (Ps 82:3-5 KJV)
Have we ever experienced believers who get arrogant and self-righteous about their standing with God? Would God let us fall to humble us?
I said, “You are gods, And all of you are sons of the Most High. Nevertheless you will die like men And you will fall like any one of the princes.” (Ps 82:6-7 LSB)
Is there a time way beyond any temporary punishment God delivers to teach us important lessons, a time when the whole earth will be ruled by God?
Arise, God, judge the earth! For You possess all the nations. (Ps 82:8 NASB)
Is pure religion just rituals, attendance, tongues, abstinence, tithes, veils, rosaries, and icons or is there something far more important?
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (Jas 1:26-27 NIV)
Will God give justice to the poor and needy and teach the self-righteous wicked some humility? You decide!
Sing Praises (Psalm 81)
Are praises just for certain churches or are we all encouraged to sing praises? Do we praise the idols of the world or God? Let’s look at Psalm 81.
For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph. (WEB)
Are tambourines, wind and various stringed instruments appropriate?
Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. Blow the ram’s horn at new moon, and again at full moon to call a festival! For this is required by the decrees of Israel; it is a regulation of the God of Jacob. He made it a law for Israel when he attacked Egypt to set us free. (Ps 81:1-5a NLT)
As Israel was freed from Egyptian slavery, are we freed from slavery to sin?
I heard a language [voice] that I didn’t know. “I removed his shoulder from the burden. His hands were freed from the basket. You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah.” Selah. (Ps 81:5b-7 WEB)
What idols from the world do we still worship, money, things, status, inappropriate television, a political party, our country, our culture, or our theological distinctives?
Listen, my people, I’m warning you! If only you would listen to me, Israel. There must be no foreign god among you. You must not bow down to any strange deity. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up from Egypt’s land. Open your mouth wide—I will fill it up! (Ps 81:8-10 CEB)
Are we just like ancient Israel, unteachable and stubborn? In old age are we still the know-it-alls of our youth, or more humble than ever?
But, my people, Israel, you refused to listen, and you would have nothing to do with me! So I let you be stubborn and keep on following your own advice. (Ps 81:11-12 CEV)
What does God promise to those who would listen to Him and walk in His ways?
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 foes. Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever. But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. (Ps 81:13-16 ESV)
Should we get comfortable around the idols of this world, let money, things, or status rule over us? Should we continue watching inappropriate television, trust a political party, worship a flag, prioritize our culture, take pride in our theological distinctives, or should we flee, shun, run from such idols?
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. (1 Cor 10:14 HCSB)
Are praises just for certain churches or are we all encouraged to sing praises? Do we praise the idols of the world or God? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph. (WEB)
Are tambourines, wind and various stringed instruments appropriate?
Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. Blow the ram’s horn at new moon, and again at full moon to call a festival! For this is required by the decrees of Israel; it is a regulation of the God of Jacob. He made it a law for Israel when he attacked Egypt to set us free. (Ps 81:1-5a NLT)
As Israel was freed from Egyptian slavery, are we freed from slavery to sin?
I heard a language [voice] that I didn’t know. “I removed his shoulder from the burden. His hands were freed from the basket. You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah.” Selah. (Ps 81:5b-7 WEB)
What idols from the world do we still worship, money, things, status, inappropriate television, a political party, our country, our culture, or our theological distinctives?
Listen, my people, I’m warning you! If only you would listen to me, Israel. There must be no foreign god among you. You must not bow down to any strange deity. I am the Lord your God, who brought you up from Egypt’s land. Open your mouth wide—I will fill it up! (Ps 81:8-10 CEB)
Are we just like ancient Israel, unteachable and stubborn? In old age are we still the know-it-alls of our youth, or more humble than ever?
But, my people, Israel, you refused to listen, and you would have nothing to do with me! So I let you be stubborn and keep on following your own advice. (Ps 81:11-12 CEV)
What does God promise to those who would listen to Him and walk in His ways?
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 foes. Those who hate the Lord would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever. But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you. (Ps 81:13-16 ESV)
Should we get comfortable around the idols of this world, let money, things, or status rule over us? Should we continue watching inappropriate television, trust a political party, worship a flag, prioritize our culture, take pride in our theological distinctives, or should we flee, shun, run from such idols?
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. (1 Cor 10:14 HCSB)
Are praises just for certain churches or are we all encouraged to sing praises? Do we praise the idols of the world or God? You decide!
Restore Us (Psalm 80)
Are restoration and revival something that we should be personally pursuing, praying that the whole church will also experience? Let’s begin in Psalm 80.
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Have we ever been in need of God’s rescue, salvation from physical danger?
Shepherd of Israel, listen! The one who leads Joseph like a flock, the one enthroned on the cherubim, display your glory. Reveal your power before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, then come to our rescue. God, restore us, show your favor and deliver us. (Ps 80:1-3 ISV)
When we are experiencing hard times, do we remember our sins and God’s anger?
O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people? Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure. Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves. Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. (Ps 80:4-7 KJV)
Using a metaphor does Asaph ask why God planted Israel and then let others devour it?
You removed a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and then You planted it. You cleared the ground before it, And it took deep root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shadow, And the cedars of God with its boughs. It sent out its branches to the sea And its shoots to the River. Why have You broken down its hedges, So that all who pass that way pick its fruit? A boar from the forest devours it And whatever moves in the field feeds on it. (Ps 80:8-13 LSB)
Is a prayer for revival of Israel just as relevant for the church today? Do we need to return to the foundation of our faith, the teachings of Jesus, the prophets and the apostles found in holy scripture?
God of armies, do turn back; Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine, The shoot which Your right hand has planted, And of the son whom You have strengthened for Yourself. It is burned with fire, it is cut down; They perish from the rebuke of Your face. Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself. Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. (Ps 80:14-18 NASB)
Is there a chorus repeated three times in this Psalm?
Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. (Ps 80:19 NIV)
Is complete restoration still something that we must patiently wait for in God’s time? Until then, what should we be supporting?
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8 NKJV)
Are restoration and revival something that we should be personally pursuing, praying that the whole church will also experience? You decide!
For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
Have we ever been in need of God’s rescue, salvation from physical danger?
Shepherd of Israel, listen! The one who leads Joseph like a flock, the one enthroned on the cherubim, display your glory. Reveal your power before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, then come to our rescue. God, restore us, show your favor and deliver us. (Ps 80:1-3 ISV)
When we are experiencing hard times, do we remember our sins and God’s anger?
O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people? Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure. Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves. Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. (Ps 80:4-7 KJV)
Using a metaphor does Asaph ask why God planted Israel and then let others devour it?
You removed a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and then You planted it. You cleared the ground before it, And it took deep root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shadow, And the cedars of God with its boughs. It sent out its branches to the sea And its shoots to the River. Why have You broken down its hedges, So that all who pass that way pick its fruit? A boar from the forest devours it And whatever moves in the field feeds on it. (Ps 80:8-13 LSB)
Is a prayer for revival of Israel just as relevant for the church today? Do we need to return to the foundation of our faith, the teachings of Jesus, the prophets and the apostles found in holy scripture?
God of armies, do turn back; Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine, The shoot which Your right hand has planted, And of the son whom You have strengthened for Yourself. It is burned with fire, it is cut down; They perish from the rebuke of Your face. Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself. Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name. (Ps 80:14-18 NASB)
Is there a chorus repeated three times in this Psalm?
Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. (Ps 80:19 NIV)
Is complete restoration still something that we must patiently wait for in God’s time? Until then, what should we be supporting?
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8 NKJV)
Are restoration and revival something that we should be personally pursuing, praying that the whole church will also experience? You decide!
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