PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 74
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“None of us knows how long this will be.” (Psalm 74:9)
I remember during COVID wondering how long this would go.
It made me think of people during WW2, or the One Hundred Years war.
Or think of Israel in Egypt for 400 years.
This Psalm is about the destruction of the temple in 586 BC.
From that point the Jews never really became a free nation… until 1948.
Jesus announced that the kingdom of God was near (Matthew 3:2).
And 2000 years later we may wonder “how long this will be”?
As followers of Jesus we do not know when Jesus will return.
In the meantime we know we are called to bring his kingdom near.
Our job is not to fight force, nor to just hide and wait for his return.
We join with Jesus in his suffering love, carrying the cross with him.
We help “the poor and needy praise (his) name!” (Psalm 74:21)
We join in praying for the Lord to “rise up and defend” (Psalm 74:22)
But we can “speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:2) by rising up with him!
PRAYER
Lord, this is taking forever! Strengthen us with faith, hope and especially love to help those who struggle hang on to you, until you do come!
In the turning point, the center of the Psalm. after all the complaints the Psalmist says: But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth.” He appeals to God to act for the glory of his Name – that nations mock God. God did and does and will act – but He is patient. I must learn to wait and see how God rises up and punishes and restores. Lord, you’ve done it in my life too! Help me to be more like you Lord Jesus – to be patient and to be consistent in resolve to follow your will in my life!
My God is in control. He is the Creator. He has promised to be with His people. May Your people worship You Lord. May all Your people praise You. And may they not rebel as they did in the days of Moses and You showed Your majesty and power by consuming those who rebelled. May Your followers see Your power and majesty each day and praise You. Continue to guide Us/me in Your Way. Help me to walk always in Your SonShine. Lead me and guide me in the way everlasting.
1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.
2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]
3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]