Lord, You Fill Me, But Your People Are In Distress

Psalm 108

People who genuinely, maturely belong to God feel a sense of exuberance in the face of distress.  It is not a matter of blindness to conditions, but (1) seeing the evident and (2) knowing Who God is.  We often forget how thoroughly distress blinds us to divine reality!

The psalmist was enthralled with God’s reality.  His confidence in God explained his attitude!  He woke up singing God’s praises.  His songs thanked God for His dependability.  At dawn he declared God’s love and faithfulness.  God should be exalted and His glory should shine over the earth.

However, not all was well with the Israelite people.  Rescue was needed!  The psalmist asked God to recall His intents for Israel.  He asked God to remember His intents for those who threatened Israel.

The psalmist praised God for His role in the psalmist’s life.  However, he was distressed by God’s role in the nation of Israel.  Israel needed help!  While he rejoiced in God’s role in his life, he was confused by God’s role in the Israelite nation.  Help for the Israelite nation would come only through God’s mighty acts.

God’s people’s vision is often obscured by spiritual cataracts and “NOW” events.   Yes, it is possible to be enthralled by God and confused by God at the same time.  To see God’s obvious acts enthralls us.  Understanding the “now” consequences of previous human acts/choices confuses us.

The result: we genuinely praise and ask “why” at the same time.  In the same moment, faith elates and confuses.  We need spiritual bifocals!  We must see more than “NOW.”

 

September 1, 2016  *  Fort Smith, AR

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