Psalm 76

by T.J. Sands, Barrow-in-Furness, U.K. | Category: The Psalms Of Asaph | Nov 1984

I've been thinking about the expression those two disciples used, to their unknown Companion, while journeying from Jerusalem to Emmaus, on the third day after the crucifixion. "We hoped," they said concerning their crucified Saviour, "We hoped that it was He which should redeem Israel." How quickly those shattered hopes were rebuilt in magnificent strength as the wonderful truth of Christ's resurrection dawned on their hearts. He was not defeated but victorious.

Psalm 76 is a song of victory. God's purposes can never fail. In the first three verses Asaph tells others about God's great victories. "In Judah," we read, "is God known." Those who had benefited from God's mighty works, His redeemed people, had come to know Him and to praise Him. I wonder what our conversation is mainly concerned with when we talk to fellow-Christians? Our troubles and grumbles? Trivial things that worry and bother us? Our great Adversary, the Devil, loves us to be taken up with things like these. But how encouraged we feel when we speak about our victorious Leader. Has God blessed you today? Share it with someone. Has somebody you know become a Christian? Rejoice with others at God's power in their life.

Then, from verse 4, Asaph turns from encouraging others to speak to God Himself in worship and praise. Something of the terrible majesty of the Almighty fills his very being. "Who may stand in Thy sight when once Thou art angry," we read in verse 7. But alongside the majesty there is the mercy of God. For "God arose to judgement" for a gracious purpose. Verse 9 tells us that it was "to save all the meek of the earth." Too often when we speak to God we just seem to be asking Him for things, don't we? How long is it since we last really praised Him for His majesty and for His mercy which we've so greatly benefited from.

In the third section of the Psalm, from verse 11, Asaph turns again to speak to God's people. What would be their response to the Lord who had done so much for them? The answer, I suggest, is in three parts. First of all, the making of vows. It is so easy to be a well-meaning Christian. One day we'll get around to doing something for our Master. But not this week. And then the week after I'll be so busy. And so the weeks become months and the months years and so little is accomplished. Let's prayerfully decide what we can do for God and solemnly promise Him that we'll fulfil that vow - for that's the second part of verse 11. "Pay unto the LORD your God." Would we let a loved one down - not help a needy friend, break an appointment with a colleague, refuse to give our children their promised pocket money? Let's not be lax, then, in our dealings with the Almighty - how very serious a matter this is.

But the third part of the verse takes it further. It deals with the bringing of presents. The child who brings a few crumpled flowers in a grubby hand to her mummy is not fulfilling a legal obligation but showing love. The shy teenager who saves up to buy his girlfriend the perfume she always wanted is not showing the size of his bank account but his heart. Between those who truly love each other, it would be strange if it were otherwise, wouldn't it? "Let all that be round about Him bring presents unto Him... says the Psalmist. If we can see a need this week - perhaps in a type of service for God we don't normally engage in - why not show our love and bring pleasure to God's heart too; pleasure in our present to Him.

T.J. Sands, Barrow-in-Furness, U.K. | Nov 1984
The Psalms Of Asaph