Our Glorious God Wins (Psalm 76), Part 3

God is to be Feared (verses 7-12)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2076:7b-9&version=NIV

In the end God will have the last word, for His power is absolute in the heavens and on the earth. The unseen, providential hand of Almighty God shapes the destinies of nations. May our fear of God’s glorious power cause us to let the nations know that God is the sovereign King. God will bring liberation and justice to the poor and oppressed, making right where they have been wronged. He seeks the salvation of all. Are we as quick to praise God for His help as we are to seek that help? Let all the nations submit to the only living God. May we rejoice before and adore the awe-inspiring One who will ultimately overcome every assault that this world can mount against Him.

Mighty God, You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before You? From heaven You pronounce judgment. Save the afflicted in our land. We make vows of praise to You, Lord our God, help us to fulfill them. Let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to You—the One who is to be feared.

Our world groans in its suffering and cries out for judgment. With our world so dominated by natural and human powers divine judgment seems remote. Yet earthly powers are helpless before God. The mighty God will judge the earth and possess all the nations. May we join those who hear and see and say “Amen.”

O worship the King, all glorious above!

O gratefully sing his power and his love!

Our shield and defender, the Ancient of days,

Pavilioned in splendour, and girded with praise.

Robert Grant (1785-1838)

Our Glorious God Wins (Psalm 76), Part 2

The Divine Warrior (verses 4-6)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2076:4-7a&version=NIV

Our great God is the shining Radiant One. Glorious in holiness, God will put a judicial sleep over His enemies. At God’s rebuke the forces of chaos and evil will flee before Him and peace will reign.

Praise You, Almighty God, for You are radiant with light, and more majestic than the mountains that surround Jefferson County. At Your rebuke, still the foes of Your church.

Our Glorious God Wins (Psalm 76), Part 1

God wins on behalf of His people. God is praised among His own and feared by the nations. May we praise God for His victory at the cross and look forward to His great final victory over evil at the end of time.

God’s Relationship with His People (verses 1-3)  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2076:1-3&version=NIV

God had established a relationship with His people who had come to know Him by His gracious condescension to dwell in the temple. In His church God is known, for He has revealed Himself to His people by His grace and through His Son. By His name God makes Himself known. The name of Jesus is Savior and there is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved. It is the name that is above every name. Immanuel, God with us, finds His home among His people.

Lord our God, make Your great Name known to Your church and in our community. Make Your dwelling place in Your church in Jefferson County. Break the weapons of war used against Your church.

God Exalts (Psalm 75), Part 3

Praise to God (verses 9-10)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2075:9-10&version=NIV

Even as God judges evil people He will lift up the righteous. Patience and suffering are not the end of the story. God will increase the power of the righteous and decrease the power of the proud. While we wait for God’s justice may we declare His justice and sing His praises. May we occupy ourselves with expressing God’s praises, celebrating His rule and judgment over the world, expressing our personal joy.

As for us, may we never cease to sing praises to You our God. Praise You that You will lift us up.

Among the nations He shall judge;

His judgments truth shall guide;

His scepter shall protect the just,

And quell the sinner’s pride.

(Anonymous)

God Exalts (Psalm 75), Part 2

God’s Exhortation (verses 6-8)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2075:6-8&version=NIV

In spite of our desire to pronounce judgment on the attitude and behavior of our society, this prerogative belongs to God. He exerts His judgment because the Lord God reigns. Empires and earthly leaders rise and fall at God’s bidding, serving His purpose. Evil people will drink the dregs of God’s wrath and recrimination.

Lord our God, remind us of our place. Keep us humble before You. Thank You that it is You who judge. Help us to leave the pronouncement of judgment in Your hands.