Tell the Coming Generation

 Psalm 78:25 Man ate of the bread of the angels;
    he sent them food in abundance.
26 He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
    and by his power he led out the south wind;
27 he rained meat on them like dust,
    winged birds like the sand of the seas;
28 he let them fall in the midst of their camp,
    all around their dwellings.
29 And they ate and were well filled,
    for he gave them what they craved.

There are a number of psalms that retell the history of Israel - especially the Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings, in detail.  This particular lengthy psalm tells us why: "Tell the coming generation." There is always need to "pass the promise" and "warn of the consequences" experienced by God's people in the past, as His covenant and His principles remain in force.  At the time of the writing of the Psalm, the kingdom of David was still intact, but we are always just one generation away from turning away again.

Close to God

 

Psalm 73:23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
    you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

In this psalm, Asaph wrestles on behalf of his people with the question: "Why do the wicked prosper?" As he does so, he walks in the temple and considers his relationship with God. He realizes afresh that in his relationship with God, and for all of God's people, there is a closeness that the unbeliever can never fathom.  One in relationship with God has the guidance, comfort, strength, and contentment that the outsider misses out on - not only in this life, but forever.  May God guard our hearts and minds whenever we begin to think that the wicked have it so good.  They have no idea what they are missing out on.We need to tell them.

Letting God Take Care of It... and You

Psalm 69:24 Pour out your indignation upon them,
    and let your burning anger overtake them.
25 May their camp be a desolation;
    let no one dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute him whom you have struck down,
    and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.
27 Add to them punishment upon punishment;
    may they have no acquittal from you.
28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;
    let them not be enrolled among the righteous.
29 But I am afflicted and in pain;
    let your salvation, O God, set me on high!

Like in many of his psalms, David was feeling the intense pressure of his enemies. They were out to get him and destroy him. The desire for revenge was strong, but he kept calling out to God and trusting Him to bring justice. Also of note in this psalm is that David called out to God not so much for his own relief, but that others who feared God who were watching would not get discouraged by his example, but even more fully trust in Him.

Let's Have a Parade!

 

Psalm 68
24 Your procession is seen, O God,
    the procession of my God, my King, into the sanctuary—
25 the singers in front, the musicians last,
    between them virgins playing tambourines:
26 “Bless God in the great congregation,
    the Lord, O you who are of Israel's fountain!”
27 There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead,
    the princes of Judah in their throng,
    the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.

In this psalm of David, he pictures the procession of God and His people into the Sanctuary in Jerusalem, but also His proceeding His people wherever they go throughout the world. The emphasis is on the power of God.  God always leads the way. His people are alive and thriving, young and active.  This processional is not just for Israel, but for all the peoples of the world to see the power of God, to come to Him, and to worship Him.  Do we see things the same way David does? That our God is most valuable and powerful, and that we should be excited to worship Him, serve Him, and draw others to Him?

Calling Out as a Congregation

 

Psalm 44
23 Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
    Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
24 Why do you hide your face?
    Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust;
    our belly clings to the ground.
26 Rise up; come to our help!
    Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!

This psalm is a congregational call with a solo.  (See verses 4-8) The people have heard of the "good old days" when God delivered His people, gave them victory, and blessed their land.  But now things are not looking so good. They are losing battles, business is bad, and people are discouraged. So, what do they do? They call out to God together: "We need You." They call out to Him to help, not based on how wonderful they are, but upon His steadfast love. He is the faithful God Who keeps His promises and helps the helpless who come with humility. May we be among those today who call out to Him together for His help, mercy, and grace.

Delight in HIS Way

Psalm 37
 23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old,
    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
    or his children begging for bread.
26 He is ever lending generously,
    and his children become a blessing.

As David looks back on his life and at the lives around him, he comes to the basic observation that God is good and faithful to His people.  He could tell how close someone was to God by seeing the character of God duplicated in their actions.  They are generous as God is generous. Their children rise up to replicate the same lifestyle.  It all begins when one determines in his heart and mind that he is going to delight, pursue, be fulfilled by doing what pleases God. Then everything falls into place, as God is faithful to us and we in turn are faithful to Him.

Let Them Say: "Great is the Lord!"

 

Psalm 35:

26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether
    who rejoice at my calamity!
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor
    who magnify themselves against me!
27 Let those who delight in my righteousness
    shout for joy and be glad and say evermore,
“Great is the Lord,
    who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness

    and of your praise all the day long.

As hard as it was for David to be on the run, having both Saul and the Philistines out to get him, one of David's greatest struggles was those who spoke out against him - both to his face and behind his back.  Like Job, they rejoiced when he failed and talked as if he deserved it. What really kept David going was the righteousness of God, a righteousness of which he was able to partake. He wanted people to see that and in turn rejoice over it, joining with him in proclaiming how great God is. Is that how we want people to see us?