May 25, 2014
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Above All Power…

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Sovereign Lord, reclaim, re-enliven, and renew me. My heart is open to Your transforming work.

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 &copy 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.&reg Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

“The climax of God’s happiness is the delight he takes in the echoes of his excellence in the praises of his people” (John Piper).

This psalm cries out to be sung! Derek Kidner describes it as “one of the most boisterous and exhilarating in the Psalter.” It rejoices in God’s victory over all his enemies, probably to celebrate the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem (24-27; cf.  2 Sam. 6). No one can resist the Lord’s superior strength; see the picture language in verses 1 and 2: opponents are blown away and melted!

Often in the Psalms, we see a contrast between those who try to oppose the Lord and those who follow him. One message from this psalm is that for those who oppose him there is nothing good to look forward to, whereas friends of God can be confident of a secure future. David lists the many reasons why God’s people can be joyful and worship him. He defends the vulnerable and lonely, as well as those who feel trapped and oppressed (5,6; cf. Luke 4:16-19; Isa. 61:1,2). He goes ahead of his people, and nothing can stand in his way (7-18). He bears our burdens every day (19); he rescues from danger, even death (20); he delights in his people, all of them (24-27). He is awesome and majestic. So, believers, rejoice in his power and majesty! He is over all creation (28-30). He will use his awesome strength on behalf of his people (35).

So be excited, people of God! His power and majesty are all-encompassing. Let us see afresh God’s mighty power, and how he uses his strength to defeat his enemies and provide for his people’s many needs. We see this supremely at the cross of Jesus: though he was crucified in weakness (2 Cor. 13:4), he was displaying the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:18-25).

Apply

In what ways do you need to see afresh the Lord’s powerful majesty? Do you perceive his delight in you and the security he gives you?

Closing prayer

Almighty God, I am overflowing with joy right now. Reading of Your promises to me and Your people fills me with praise and thanksgiving. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.

© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.

Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.

View all readings

Get ENCOUNTER:

in your email:

in Print:

Become a Member | Visit our store