stephen R Harrison

When everything seems like it is falling apart, we must remember God holds everything together. That can be difficult to believe in the moment. I believe that’s why Asaph started Psalm 75 with praise (v. 1). Praise helps us overcome worry, anxiety, fear, doubt, and a host of other issues because we focus our attention back on the Lord. Praise is truly dwelling on the Lord and everything that’s wonderful about Him. Panic is the opposite of praise. Worry is the opposite of worship. To calm his panic and worry and fuel his praise and worship, Asaph quoted the Lord in verses 2-5. It is good to listen to the calming, encouraging, and empowering Word of the Lord in times of trouble. God’s Word reassures the believer (vv. 2-3). He told them that He holds the world’s pillars firm during the shakiest times. If He can hold up the world, surely He can help us in our time of trouble! God’s Word also judges the wicked (vv. 4-5). If He will eternally render justice to the wicked, why should we fret over them temporarily? No matter what God’s enemies try, they will never overcome Him as He is eternally victorious.

This psalm may have been written in response to winning a battle. We must remember it is the Lord Who is completely victorious and no one anywhere who opposes Him will prosper (v. 6). He judges everyone, the holy and the wicked and pays them accordingly (v. 7). The wicked are judge with the cup of His wrath (verse 8)). He will take care of their evil actions, so we need not worry and panic but on worship and praise. He “cuts off the horns of the all the wicked, but lifts up the horns of the righteous” (v. 10). All too often we are overly concerned with justice being delivered fairly and timely to the wicked. We must get our eyes off the judgment of the wicked, that’s God’s job and He doesn’t need our assistance. Our job, and our joy, is to trust the Lord. Asaph knew this and said, “As for me, I will declare this forever, I will sing praise to the God of Jacob” (v. 9).

Questions:

1. Are you more focused on who wronged you or Who you should worship?
2. Do panic and worry consume you more than praise and worship?
3. Do you begin your day and prayers with praise?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You. May praise and worship be my first reaction when the enemy attacks. When I praise You it combats worry. Worry focuses on the enemy, worship focuses on You. May I keep my attention on You at all times and know You deliver justice according to Your Word. I trust You fully and will praise You continually. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.