God Is Known (Psalm 76)

Do we know about God but not actually know Him personally? Does His hand in our world reveal His nearness? Let’s look at Psalm 76.

For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm by Asaph. A song. (WEB)

Does our community know God? Do we personally know Him? Do we understand and see His nearness?

God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel. His tabernacle is in Salem; His dwelling place also is in Zion. There He broke the flaming arrows, The shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah (Ps 76:1-3 NASB)

Is there anything that God’s majesty doesn’t outshine? Is there any army that God cannot defeat?

You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. The valiant lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands. At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still. (Ps 76:4-6 NIV)

When God gets angry and arises to judgment will a primary motive be to deliver the oppressed of the earth?

You, Yourself, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry? You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still, When God arose to judgment, To deliver all the oppressed of the earth. Selah (Ps 76:7-9 NKJV)

Does human anger against God only backfire as praise to God in the end?

Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon. (Ps 76:10 NLT)

Is God impressed by earthly royalty or by those who keep their promises?

Make vows to Yahweh your God, and fulfill 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. (Ps 76:11-12 WEB)

Should we be very careful not to make foolish promises we cannot possibly keep?

Again you have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago: Don’t make a false solemn pledge, but you should follow through on what you have pledged to the Lord. But I say to you that you must not pledge at all. You must not pledge by heaven, because it’s God’s throne. You must not pledge by the earth, because it’s God’s footstool. You must not pledge by Jerusalem, because it’s the city of the great king. And you must not pledge by your head, because you can’t turn one hair white or black. Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no. Anything more than this comes from the evil one. (Mat 5:33-37 CEB)

Do we know about God but not actually know Him personally? Does His hand in our world reveal His nearness? You decide!