Comfort When the World is Seemingly Falling Apart.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text Psalm 76

 

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

(ESV)

 

The words of Jesus in John 16:33 serve to remind us that we do not live in a utopian world free from problems but have the promise Jesus has overcome the world. While it would be nice if there were no problems after we come to Christ, that would be a false belief going against what the Word of God says. Instead of living in a utopian world after salvation free of problems, we must learn to persevere in tribulation with the hope of knowing Jesus has overcome the world. In Psalm 76, Asaph helps us focus on the might, majesty, and glory of God with Paul telling believers to comfort each other with the news Jesus is coming back for His Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

 

The Psalm begins with a declaration that God is known in Judah with His name great in Israel (Psalm 76:1). During the time of Asaph, the abode of the Lord was in Salem, or Jerusalem, with his dwelling place in the Temple on Mount Zion (Psalm 76:2). From this abode and dwelling place, the Lord broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war of Israel and Judah’s enemies (Psalm 76:3).

 

God is glorious and majestic, stripping the stouthearted of their spoil, sinking them into sleep with the men of war unable to lift their hands (Psalm 76:4-5). The rebuke of the Lord stuns both the horse and rider of the enemies of Israel and Judah (Psalm 76:6). The enemies of Israel and Judah that rouse the anger of the Lord should fear for no one can stand against Israel and Judah when God is with them (Psalm 76:7). God utters judgment from the heavens causing the earth to fear and stand still (Psalm 76:8). When God arises to establish judgment, he does so to save all the humble of the earth (Psalm 76:9).

 

The wrath of man will certainly praise Israel and Judah, with them wearing the remnant of wrath like a belt (Psalm 76:10). One must perform vows made to the Lord with all around them bringing gifts to Israel and Judah who are to be feared (Psalm 76:11). Israel and Judah are nations who cut off the spirit of princes and feared by the kings of the earth (Psalm 76:12).

 

Perhaps during a time of struggle in Israel, which would be during most of its history, Asaph writes this Psalm as a reminder of God’s might, majesty, and glory. God is mightier than any of the enemies attacking Israel and Judah and Israel’s enemies should fear when they rouse the anger of the Lord. One making vows to the Lord must perform them for it is God who cuts off the spirit of princes and is feared by the kings of the earth. In a time of tribulation, struggle, or attack, Asaph is reminding Israel to put their trust in their mighty, majestic, and glorious God.

 

In a world that is seemingly falling apart, God’s people must take time to reflect on the might, majesty, and Glory of God. While Psalm 76 does not provide any context of what was occurring in Israel at the time of its writing, its applicable to anyone enduring a struggle or trial in their lives. This Psalm of Asaph reminds us to look up when facing the struggles of life, knowing that Jesus promised there would be tribulation in life, reminding us that He had overcome the world (John 16:33). Philippians 4:13 reminds us that through Christ, and not the things of the world, we can do all things.

 

If you are reading this and attempting to function in a world seemingly falling apart at the seams without a relationship with Jesus Christ, I encourage you to enter into a relationship with Jesus by praying with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I pray those reading this will find comfort in knowing Jesus is coming back to take His church home to be with Him for eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post, providing comfort in tribulation.