GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE
Opening Prayer
As I read your Word today, Lord God, show me more of who you are; teach me more of your ways and how I should live.
Read PSALM 75
Psalm 75[a]
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song.
1 We praise you, God,
we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.
2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.
3 When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.[b]
4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.[c]
5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.’”
6 No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
7 It is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.
8 In the hand of the Lord is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.
9 As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,
10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”
Footnotes
- Psalm 75:1 In Hebrew texts 75:1-10 is numbered 75:2-11.
- Psalm 75:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.
- Psalm 75:4 Horns here symbolize strength; also in verses 5 and 10.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
When tempted to despair because of circumstances far beyond our ability to control, may we rest our hope and confidence in the Lord, our Maker and Sustainer.
During the Babylonian exile, God’s people were in despair. They were without hope, in bondage, stateless, and scattered from Egypt to Babylon. Kingship had disappeared. The prophetic voice was dim and the priesthood and its cultic apparatus were irrelevant. Could there still be a bright future, full of hope? Psalm 75 sounds a clear note of confidence.
In 2023 we too can empathize with the plight of ancient Israel. Many today are stateless: the refugee highway is huge. Even for the most developed of nations, the burden of debt is crushing. Under these circumstances, it is easy to fall into despair and a sense of hopelessness. This psalm speaks to us a message of hope, just as it did to Israel.
The psalm starts with a declaration of thanksgiving to God whose ‘Name is near’1 and whose wonderful deeds of salvation, such as the exodus, indicate his presence and activity among his people. God is portrayed as the Sovereign Judge whose judgments are impartial. He is also the Sustainer of his creation. Yes, we must exercise good stewardship over his creation, but its ultimate fate and that of its inhabitants are in his hands. Neither the Babylonians to the north nor the Egyptians to the south have the final word. That prerogative belongs to the Lord. This God, to whom alone belongs ultimate judgment, will make all his enemies drink the wine of his wrath to the dregs. This is the confidence we have in the midst of destabilizing circumstances.
Apply
Remember what the Lord has done in history and in your own life. From such knowledge, you will draw comfort, encouragement, and hope in times of difficulty.
Closing prayer
As I look to this day, Father, I need wisdom in every circumstance that comes. Be at work in me and through me to do your will, to serve you and others.
1 See also Deut 4:7
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