Psalm 78:1-8 “A contemplation by Asaph. Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done. For he established a covenant in Jacob, and appointed a teaching in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children; that the generation to come might know, even the children who should be born; who should arise and tell their children, that they might set their hope in God, and not forget God’s deeds, but keep his commandments, and might not be as their fathers— a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that didn’t make their hearts loyal, whose spirit was not steadfast with God.”

Psalm 78 is not just history. It was written as a warning and a lesson. It shows how God chose His people, gave them His teaching, and instructed them to pass it on to their children. It isn’t just a record of their continued disobedience (take heed!), but it was written to show that God was faithful all the way. He both preserved and purged His children, and He still does today.

Hebrew 12:5-8 “You have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, ‘My son, don’t take lightly the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn’t discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then you are illegitimate, and not children.”

For additional worship: Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Reawaken Hymns)

Psalm 77:16-20 “The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed. The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around. The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind. The lightnings lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known. You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”

If we ever need a reminder of the fact that God is in control and that He cares for us, we only need to look back at the exodus from Egypt. He led His people through the Red Sea and provided leaders for them. His care for them points us to His care for us through Christ! The parting of the Red Sea and the salvation it provided prefigured the greater spiritual reality of God’s redemption of His people from slavery to sin through the work of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 “Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.”

For additional worship: Redeemed (Gaither Vocal Band)

Psalm 77:7-15 “Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he be favorable no more? Has his loving kindness vanished forever? Does his promise fail for generations? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he, in anger, withheld his compassion?” Selah. Then I thought, “I will appeal to this: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the LORD’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings. Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God? You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known amongst the peoples. You have redeemed your people with your arm, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.”

In the midst of distress (as a result of our own disobedience or not), we may cry out: “Where is the Lord? Where is His compassion?” That’s when we need to remember what He has done in the past for His people, what He has done through Jesus for our salvation, and what He does currently for us in our daily lives. One great way to get recentered is by attending corporate worship. “Your way, God, is in the sanctuary.” The word translated “sanctuary” can mean either “in holiness” or “in the holy place.” One refers to a location, the other to a way of living. In taking it to mean a place, we recognize that corporate worship with its praying, praising, and preaching helps us focus properly on God and His ways!

For additional worship: Jesus Never Fails (Arthur Luther)

Psalm 77:1-6 “For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph. My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired. My soul refused to be comforted. I remember God, and I groan. I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed. Selah. You hold my eyelids open. I am so troubled that I can’t speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I remember my song in the night. I consider in my own heart; my spirit diligently enquires:”

Have you ever been so distressed that you stayed up all night crying out to God? If so, you have something in common with Asaph! In truth, what else should we do? Unfortunately, we’re probably more likely to mull, rant, and despair than to turn it over to God. Next time you find your sleep troubled, try praying, reading, singing, and even praise. And, if you still find yourself distressed, keep trying. It’s a recipe for peace!

Philippians 4:6-7 “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”

For additional worship: Cry out to Jesus (Third Day)

Psalm 76:7-12 “At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep. You, even you, are to be feared. Who can stand in your sight when you are angry? You pronounced judgement from heaven. The earth feared, and was silent, when God arose to judgement, to save all the afflicted ones of the earth. Selah. Surely the wrath of man praises you. The survivors of your wrath are restrained. Make vows to the LORD your God, and fulfil them! Let all of his neighbors bring presents to him who is to be feared. He will cut off the spirit of princes. He is feared by the kings of the earth.”

Sure, this is about Israel. But it’s also about us! We boldly proclaim the victory God has given us over death, hell, and the grave, while looking forward to His ultimate victory during the final judgement at the end of the age! With the vindication of His people secured, it’s no wonder they (we) bring vows of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Revelation 19:11-16 “I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has names written and a name written which no one knows but he himself. He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called ‘The Word of God.’ The armies which are in heaven, clothed in white, pure, fine linen, followed him on white horses. Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod.”

For additional worship: You Indeed Are Awesome (Jason Silver)

Psalm 76:1-6 “For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm by Asaph. A song. In Judah, God is known. His name is great in Israel. His tabernacle is also in Salem. His dwelling place in Zion. There he broke the flaming arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah. Glorious are you, and excellent, more than mountains of game. Valiant men lie plundered, they have slept their last sleep. None of the men of war can lift their hands. At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.”

These verses recognize that God is known among His people and majestic in battle!

Is God known among your people? Among your relatives? In your home? Do you make sure that you speak about the greatness of His name to your children and grandchildren? To your siblings and parents? Do you attend church to proclaim the glory and majesty of God, and to be a good example to those around you?

For additional worship:

God is known among his people,
every mouth his praises fill;
from of old he has established
his abode on Zion’s hill;
there he broke the sword and arrow,
bade the noise of war be still.

Excellent and glorious are you,
with your trophies from the fray;
you have slain the mighty warriors,
wrapped in sleep of death are they;
when your anger once is risen,
who can stand in that dread day?

When from heav’n your sentence sounded,
all the earth in fear was still,
while to save the meek and lowly
God in judgment wrought his will;
e’en the wrath of man shall praise you,
your designs it shall fulfil.

Vow and pay unto Jehovah,
him your God forever own;
all men, bring your gifts before him
worship him, and him alone;
mighty kings obey and fear him,
princes bow before his throne.

Psalm 75:6-10 “For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south, comes exaltation. But God is the judge. He puts down one, and lifts up another. For in the LORD’s hand there is a cup, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours it out. Indeed the wicked of the earth drink and drink it to its very dregs. But I will declare this forever: I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.”

It is left to the congregation of the righteous to bring praise to God. It won’t come from the unrighteous in any direction! Especially since they will be on the receiving end of His judgment.

For additional worship: Battle Hymn of the Republic (Live at the Kennedy Center)

Psalm 75:1-5 “For the Chief Musician. To the tune of ‘Do Not Destroy.’ A Psalm by Asaph. A song. We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. Men tell about your wondrous works. When I choose the appointed time, I will judge blamelessly. The earth and all its inhabitants quake. I firmly hold its pillars. Selah. I said to the arrogant, ‘Don’t boast!’ I said to the wicked, ‘Don’t lift up the horn. Don’t lift up your horn on high. Don’t speak with a stiff neck.’ ”

We go from the Psalmist’s voice to God’s in this passage. Here, Asaph recognizes the closeness of God and gives thanks because He is near! (Aren’t you thankful that God is near?)

Psalm 145:18 “The LORD is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”

Of course, that nearness implies coming judgment as well. But we can trust in God’s judgment, because He judges blamelessly. The wicked should tremble! This could refer to the coming judgment at the end of time, or any time God chooses to make His judgment know.

For additional worship: Give Thanks (Don Moen)

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)

Psalm 74:12-17 “Yet God is my King of old, working salvation throughout the earth. You divided the sea by your strength. You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters. You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces. You gave him as food to people and desert creatures. You opened up spring and stream. You dried up mighty rivers. The day is yours, the night is also yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the boundaries of the earth. You have made summer and winter.”

Whenever we are having doubts or questioning why God is doing what He is doing, we should remind ourselves of the way He has worked in the past. He is sovereign and majestic. He is creator, provider, and redeemer. The very creation points to His care and compassion, which means we can trust Him to do what is best and right!

For additional worship: Thou art, O God, the Life and Light (Thomas Moore)

Thou art, O God, the life and light
Of all this wondrous world we see;
Its glow by day, its smile by night,
Are but reflections caught from Thee:
Where’er we turn, Thy glories shine,
And all things fair and bright are Thine.

When day, with farewell beam, delays
Among the opening clouds of even,
And we can almost think we gaze
Through golden vistas into heaven,
Those hues that make the sun’s decline
So soft, so radiant, Lord, are Thine.

When night, with wings of starry gloom,
O’ershadows all the earth and skies,
Like some dark, beauteous bird, whose plume
Is sparkling with unnumbered eyes,
That sacred gloom, those fires divine,
So grand, so countless, Lord, are Thine.

When youthful spring around us breathes,
Thy spirit warms her fragrant sigh;
And every flower the summer wreathes
Is born beneath Thy kindling eye:
Where’er we turn, Thy glories shine,
And all things fair and bright are Thine.