READ: Psalms 75-77
Chapter
75 is a psalm in which we see the sovereignty of God displayed. Sovereignty
means supreme authority. It also can mean the ability to self-govern without
any outside influence. We see both of those displayed in this psalm. In the
second verse we see God establishing Himself as the One who not only judges the
world, but also the One who sets the time when He will do it. He is the judge
of everyone. It is God alone who raises people up or lowers them. No one can
raise himself or herself up unless God has first ordained it. Verses 4, 5 and
10 speak about the ‘horn’ in some versions. The horn represents strength and
power. From this psalm of God’s sovereignty we see that God alone gives or
removes strength and power.
Psalm
76 is a song praising God for His victory in war. The first few verses demonstrate
the very practical power God displayed for the Israelites. He broke the
flashing arrows, the sword and other weapons of war. The flashing arrows were
likely arrows ignited on fire. God physically stopped them, and in doing so,
protected His people from destruction.
We
have seen the word Selah in previous
psalms, but it’s the first time in Book III. The word has a mysterious meaning,
however, it is thought to mean ‘to pause, or to rest, or to wait’. It is
fitting in this particular place in the psalm that we, along with the Jews, pause
to think about this incredible miracle. God’s power protected them. When they
were in danger of losing their lives, their autonomy, their ability to live in
peace, their families, their everything… God stepped in and literally stopped
the arrows. Broke the weapons being used against them. Broke the swords. And
saved His people. The Psalmist, by saying Selah,
is inviting us to pause and reflect on the wonder of this miracle.
Psalm
77 is again a song in which the Psalmist is crying out to God with pain. He
feels like God hasn’t heard him. He’s awake at night, losing sleep and feeling
like God just isn’t paying attention. He’s at the end of his rope. He questions
over and over again whether or not God has forgotten him, or if His power has
failed. Then… ! Then the psalmist says in verse 10 he is going to purposely
remember the amazing things God has done in the past. He is going to think
about and ponder the history of miracles God has done for His people. Going all
the way back to the time when Moses and Aaron led the Israelites out of Egypt,
the psalmist sets His focus on the enduring power and faithfulness of God.
JOURNALING AND
PRAYER
1. Do you know and
believe God is sovereign? Ask the Lord to speak to you regarding His
sovereignty. Write down what He says. Ask Him specifically if there is
something He has raised you to, or lowered you from, that you are blaming
others or yourself for instead of allowing God to show you why He allowed or
did what He did. Take a few moments to thank Him for His hand in your life.
2. Spend a few
moments remembering the things God has done in your life and the lives of those
who have gone before you. Ask Him to remind you of the mighty things He has
done on your behalf. Write down the list as it comes to mind. Consider putting
this in a special journal where you can add to it as you think of them and as
God continues to do them.
3. Spend a few
minutes praying for a significant need you have (or that someone else has) with
the fresh reminder of God’s faithful acts in your life and on your behalf.
