Psalm 73, 77, 78

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  • Psalm 73
  • Psalm 77-78

The Psalms are subdivided into 5 sections.  Psalms 73-89 are “Book 3” – Psalms of Asaph. His name appears in the superscription at the head of those psalms. If we look at the psalms written by Asaph, we can see that all of them have to do with the judgment of God, and many involve the prayers of the people at a moment of a particular event.

Asaph was a gifted worship leader. He understood where the gift came from, and he used his music to praise the Lord and communicate His Word to a needy world.

Psalm 73:

This Psalm is AMAZING!!  (Did a song come to mind? Put it in comments)

If you are a Christian and have never felt like the first half of this Psalm at least ONCE  (or a thousand times) in your life…I would struggle to believe you.  Why do faithful Christians struggle yet, we watch the lost prosper??? 

Do you dwell on that, or do you meditate on the BIG picture!

I am digging Asaph!  He says it like it is.  Asaph’s struggle was: DOUBT.  Oh that’s a BIG one for many of us.  Think of something really difficult, pray about it, and then see what you say to yourself when you finish- Here, I will go first…

Dear Lord,

My dad is getting very old.  He makes no claims to be being a Christian, he actually says horrible things about my Christianity, and I know when he dies he will not go to heaven.  PLEASE give him a reason to see you and know you before it is too late”.  I know all things are possible through you.  Love, Patricia.

Then a mumble: “Umm, that ain’t happening”

See!  Doubt!!  When I do that I am saying “my dad’s lack of faith and desire to be a Christian is stronger than God”.

BUT starting in verse 11 reminds me: remember the miracles, who is greater than God?  Clearly, if he can handle the parting of the Red Sea….he can handle the small things like us.

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Psalm 78- Oh my stars,  it is so good.  At first, I was like “Oh this is so long” but honestly when I turned the last page I was sad it was over!

Starting in verse 9, the psalmist will retell history.  Look at the sinfulness of man verse the Love of our Lord!

Connecting this Psalm to the Chronicles starts at verse 65.  Remember, the purpose of the Chronicler is the line of David to the Messiah. BUT don’t miss out on verse 71.  David is not elevated as a king…he is described as a SERVANT.

⁷⁰ He chose David his servant
    and took him from the sheep pens;
⁷¹ from tending the sheep he brought him
    to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
    of Israel his inheritance.
⁷² And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
    with skillful hands he led them.