Ps. 74: We're Still Your People

Psalm 74:12 "But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth."

Asaph continues his plea to God. It's sort of a re-centering saying, "You're still our God, we're still your people." He recounts the way God saved them from their enemies, presumably the Philistines, and how they have nothing left, no prophets, no place to worship, and no real hope.  

Asaph paints a bleak picture of a people who have turned away from God and who now realize that their salvation and success is only from God, who has turned away, who has lifted his hand of protection, allowing their destruction. God, the ultimate power, and the dominion over creation is the only one who can restore Israel, and who can put a stop to the mockery of his name.

But who is really doing the mocking?

Ps. 62: Soulrest

Psalm 62:11 "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong,"

There's a few things that struck me here in the 62nd Psalm. The first thing is the idea of a soul's rest. Salvation is a part of that. Salvation by God contributes to soulrest. Without salvation, there can be no rest. Salvation is a fortress. It is the place to go when everything else fails. Interesting that it is often the last resort when it has been shown to be the only true resort. In what ways do I avoid running to my fortress, thinking I can handle assaults on my own? If I don't want to be shaken, why wouldn't I run to my fortress for soulrest?

The idea of blessing with one's mouth, and cursing with one's heart is another interesting paradox. I've done it. Who hasn't? These are people David trusted. People who wanted to be seen as something different than who they really were.

Another interesting thing is that David says that his salvation and his honor depend on God. They only depend on God. David's has all his eggs in the God basket. There is nothing else. Nothing else, however could bring him salvation and honor. Despite his high position, and respect from his allies, he doesn't pull his honor from acclaim. That stuff fails because people are fickle. God is not. Also, if God isn't who He says He is...that's the only way David fails.

In verse 11...I like this. One thing God has spoken...and its two things. They say the same thing about God. God is strong and God is loving. His love is strong. His love is an outpouring of his strength? I suppose I never equated the two, or figured one could be part of the other. Then God could pass on His love to us, and make us strong.

Ps. 53: Foolish Evildoers Reset

Psalm 53:5 "There they were, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them."

Remember back on the 5th of March, and I did a commentary on the 14th Psalm? Well, the 53rd Psalm is nearly identical. There are a couple of differences in the text, though. Seemingly minor on the surface, the 53rd Psalm uses "God" for God. The 14th Psalm uses "the LORD." I wonder why that is, and if it has anything to do with the other difference. That being verse 5. In the 14th Psalm, the people were in fear that their sin would overcome them. In the 53rd Psalm, the people feared that their enemies were going to overcome them.

But why were these Psalms so similar? Is it to simple advance the idea that sin is the enemy? Perhaps that falling to foreign armies is a result of sin? Either can lead to dread. 

But maybe it's a matter of rationality. "Overwhelmed with dread, when there was nothing to dread." The enemy is no reason to dread. Unchecked sin, perhaps that is a reason to dread. It is only God that can save from sin. Sure a person can fight off an enemy, but sin is always terminal.

Ps. 37: Calm Down

Psalm 37:39 "The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble."

The 37th Psalm reads a lot like an old man on his death bed admonishing and advising his loved ones...some last words maybe. And maybe that's where this comes from, as verse 25 talks about the author being old.

Overall, a very encouraging, upbeat Psalm, instructing the reader not to dwell on the possessions and actions of the wicked. They may have it good for now, and temporarily. On the surface, it appears that what they have is very enticing. It could follow that living a comparable lifestyle would yield a similar result. Not so (v. 8). And this Psalm (as well as others) make it very clear that any success or comfort enjoyed by wicked men is fleeting. It will soon perish, while the inheritance of a righteous person endures forever. So perhaps this could be construed as a cautionary tale for those who are relying on their wealth and power for fulfillment.

Without any acknowledgement of eternity, there is only a sense of "This is all there is." Of course one would want to make as much of this, their only existance, as possible. But God says again, don't worry. He laughs at their plans. Their time is short. The wicked will be cut down by bow and sword and famine. But David, an old man, claims to have never seen the righteous forsaken, or their children begging bread. This promise of provision is one of extreme power. This is praiseworthy stuff!

I've heard it said that God would give one the desires of his heart. That's here in verse 4. But there's a beginning part of that verse that says "Delight yourself in the LORD..." I suppose when one delights himself in the LORD, that is the desire of our heart. Our desires will line up with what God desires for us, and that will be our want. And our satisfaction.

This Psalm makes a clear distinction for what's coming to pass for the wicked, and for those who hold to God's precepts.

Ps. 14: Foolish Evildoers

Psalm 14:7 "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!"

So you say there is no God. Someone like that is known as an atheist. A fool, as declared by the first verse in the 14th Psalm. 

But I wonder how often I, as a believer, am an atheist in my heart. A fool. When I deliberately pursue evil. When I think, Meh, God won't notice this one or care. How foolish! That makes me an atheist in my heart! Corruption, vile deeds, not doing good...its all here! It says right there in verse 2 that God looks down from heaven for those who understand and seek Him. 

If David is to be given credence, the pickings are pretty slim for those who do good. Evildoers have devoured the good as bread. I get the sense that they didn't kill off the good people, most likely exerted their influence on them and turned them to evil. Like a giant amoeba, engulfing those who don't have the heart or sense to call on the LORD.

But God remains there, to be a refuge for those who are under the pursuit of the evil people.  David is very interested in seeing salvation for Israel come out of Zion. God dwells in Zion. God could be that salvation. He has a lot of hope for the restoration of the fortunes of his people. He sees these wonderful amazing times ahead, and I hope he's right. But it will have to much later. When we last left Israel in Nehemiah, it was shattered and beginning to rebuild.