Psalm 74:18-23 “Remember this, that the enemy has mocked you, LORD. Foolish people have blasphemed your name. Don’t deliver the soul of your dove to wild beasts. Don’t forget the life of your poor forever. Honor your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the earth. Don’t let the oppressed return ashamed. Let the poor and needy praise your name. Arise, God! Plead your own cause. Remember how the foolish man mocks you all day. Don’t forget the voice of your adversaries. The tumult of those who rise up against you ascends continually.”

Even with the nation being punished for their sins, the Psalmist doesn’t think that God should continue to allow His enemies to blaspheme Him and oppress His people. Asaph boldly pleads with God to punish them! Even though their judgment is deserved, he is concerned about God’s reputation, and he represents the righteous remnant. They long to see Israel restored and the ungodly empire punished. Are they right in their understanding of God’s covenant with them? Was it unconditional? Did God have to restore them? God actually prophesied that they would return, and He did punish the nation that destroyed His temple. But it took 70 years! God does things in His time, not ours. But I believe the lesson we can take from this is the honesty and zeal that characterizes the righteous in the nation. May our prayers be filled with honesty and zeal as well.

Hebrews 4:16 “Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.”

For additional worship: Come, ye Disconsolate (Adam Wheatley)