April 12, 2011

Psalm 79 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 4:21-34, 1 Corinthians 7:17-40, Joshua 23-24

Journal Entry

Scripture

vs 9-10
Help us, O god of our salvation, for the glory of your name;
deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name's sake!
Why should the nations say, "where is their God?"
Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes!

Observation

This psalm describes the affliction and ruins Israel experienced by the Chaldeans. In this state, the psalmist cried out to God for His mercy and deliverance, although he knew that this affliction was caused by their iniquities, the sins of their former generations. However, because he knew that Israel carries the name of God, as God's people (vv 10, 13), he could boldly come before God, not to remember their former iniquities against them, and let the compassion come speedily to them. (vs 8). Thus, God's name will be preserved and no longer scoffing will be continued by the nations who do not know God (vs 6, 10), so that they would continued to give thanks and praise God from generation to generation.

Application

I want to remember two things today:
1. that I am God's people, who carries God's name. Which means, how I am (the state of who and how I am) is very important to God.
2. this leads me to come quickly before God, especially in times of trouble/afflictions--even if it might have been a result of my sins and faults. For God cares to restore His name back to His glory, and I am ought to be part of that process -- thru His forgiveness and deliverance.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for being a jealous God, who cares deeply about Your reputation. Thank you, Lord, for calling me as your people and you choose to receive the glory that belongs to you, thru your people. Lord, when I think of this responsibility and of my shortcoming, I am fearful. Yet, Thank you, Lord, for calling me to come to you for help.

--yanahn