November 16, 2013 Continue to Trust Psalm 68 Read Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. Blow them away like smoke. Melt them like wax in a fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in Gods presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD—rejoice in his presence! Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. O God, when you led your people out from Egypt, when you marched through the dry wasteland, the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before you, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land. There your people finally settled, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people. ((Psalm 68:1-10)) Reflect This psalm begins just like Moses cry in Numbers 10:35 as the Israelites followed the Ark of the Covenant. It undoubtedly brought to mind the time when David led a joyous procession that brought the Ark from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:11-15). With shouts of praise and the sound of trumpets, David and his people took the holy Ark toward Mount Zion (2 Samuel 6:15). It was a time to sing praises to the Lord, whose presence brings great joy. David praised God for his protection and provision. This was a song of faith because many of these benefits had not yet come true in Davids time. Mount Sinai (Psalm 68:8) had a prominent role in Israelite history. This sacred mountain was a constant reminder of Gods words and promises. At Mount Sinai God met Moses and commissioned him to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). At Mount Sinai the nation of Israel returned and received Gods laws (Exodus 19:1-3), and Gods presence made the entire mountain tremble (Exodus 19:18). Respond If you are lonely or troubled, join David in praise, and discover great joy from loving and praising God. Let this psalm encourage you to continue to trust God. In time, he will fulfill all his promises.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 02:54:33 +0000
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