Tender Power
Opening Prayer
Ask God to widen and deepen your understanding of him as you read this psalm today.
Read Psalm 68:1-35
[1] For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song. May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him. [2] May you blow them away like smoke- as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God. [3] But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. [4] Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him-his name is the LORD. [5] A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. [6] God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. [7] When you, God, went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, [8] the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. [9] You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. [10] Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor. [11] The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng: [12] “Kings and armies flee in haste; the women at home divide the plunder. [13] Even while you sleep among the sheep pens, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold.” [14] When the Almighty scattered the kings in the land, it was like snow fallen on Mount Zalmon. [15] Mount Bashan, majestic mountain, Mount Bashan, rugged mountain, [16] why gaze in envy, you rugged mountain, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the LORD himself will dwell forever? [17] The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary. [18] When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious- that you, LORD God, might dwell there. [19] Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. [20] Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death. [21] Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies, the hairy crowns of those who go on in their sins. [22] The Lord says, “I will bring them from Bashan; I will bring them from the depths of the sea, [23] that your feet may wade in the blood of your foes, while the tongues of your dogs have their share.” [24] Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. [25] In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the young women playing the timbrels. [26] Praise God in the great congregation; praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel. [27] There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them, there the great throng of Judah’s princes, and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali. [28] Summon your power, God; show us your strength, our God, as you have done before. [29] Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings will bring you gifts. [30] Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war. [31] Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God. [32] Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, [33] to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice. [34] Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the heavens. [35] You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What characteristics of God do you see in this Psalm?A man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14), David–in all probability the psalmist here–knows his God. The picture in this psalm is multi-dimensional, depicting God’s majestic power alongside his gentle, tender love. He describes a God who is powerful enough to defeat Israel’s enemies (1), who marches and fights for his people (7), scattering all mortals in his path (2,12,14). This vision of God’s majesty causes David to worship God in awe (4,19) and to long to see God’s strength again (28). David also talks of God’s tenderness. This mighty God tends to the vulnerable in society. He provides community for the fatherless and the widow; he liberates captives (5,6). He sees our frailties, provides refreshment for the weary (9), and carries life’s burdens (19). Psalm 68 reminds us that God is powerful enough to respond to the overwhelming concerns that fill our prayers. But he is also a loving God who cares about the intimate details of our lives. He sees our work pressures and knows our family struggles. He sees our tearful nights and the bills we have to pay. He is with us daily and guides us with his love and power.
Apply
What “overwhelming concerns” would you like to bring to God in prayer? What details of your life? Do it now.
Closing prayer
Lord God, I thank You that You are more powerful than I realize, and more loving than I can imagine.
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