April 16, 2011

Psalm 83 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 5:35-43, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Judges 7

Journal Entry

Scripture

"do not hold your peace or be still, O God!" (v.1)

Observation

Against the united front formed by the neighboring countries that are out to "wipe them (the Israelites) out as a nation" (v.4), the psalmist intercedes on behalf of the Israelites in terrible distress, crying out to Him out of desperation to take actions right away. Ironically, it was God Himself that "sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies" (Judges 2:14).

Application

Reflecting on verse 1, I wonder if God would want me to be still, holding my peace (as opposed to my desperate cry to Him to not hold his peace or be still, just as the psalmist did here) in times of distress. Being still would and does help me reflect on my sincerity and faithfulness in serving Him, affirming His presence and faithfulness in every situation I find myself in, which will eventually lead my heart to giving thanks and praises to Him. Somehow, this psalm does not end with thanksgiving & praises...maybe too distressed and desperate... The psalmist expressed God's heart really well in Psalm 81:8, "O Israel, if you would but listen to me!"

Prayer

I pray through one of the songs I cherish in my heart..."Slow down, be still, my child; be still and wait on the Spirit of the Lord; hear His voice, and know that He is God; when I am thinking not too clearly, when I am feeling so unsure, when things are pressing about me, a gentle voice does intercede...slow down, slow down, be still, my child...know that He is God...and know...that...HE...IS...GOD~"

--Julius Bhang