Song Of Celebration

Psalm 76 is a hymn by Asaph celebrating God’s power in battle defending the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Today, I want to look at verses 1-6. I love the way the Message says it:

God is well-known in Judah; in Israel, he’s a household name. He keeps a house in Salem, his own suite of rooms in Zion. That’s where, using arrows for kindling, he made a bonfire of weapons of war.

Oh, how bright you shine! Outshining their huge piles of loot! The warriors were plundered and left there impotent. And now there’s nothing to them, nothing to show for their swagger and threats. Your sudden roar, God of Jacob, knocked the wind out of horse and rider.

- Psalm 76:1-6 MSG

To add context, scholars believe this was written after the Assyrian invasion of the northern kingdom. There had been an influx of displaced people now living in Judah, in the southern kingdom. This was a celebration of a battle won for Israel, now just the southern kingdom, including Jerusalem, also known as Salem and Zion.

Friends, we’re in a battle every day. Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” That is why it is so important to daily put on the full armor of God! In, Ephesians 6:13-17, Paul writes:

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

- Ephesians 6:13-17

Since we’re talking about hymns, one of my favorite worship songs is 10,000 Reasons.The words may be familiar because Garden Music recently sang it during our worship service.

CHORUS

Bless the Lord oh my soul, oh my soul

Worship His Holy name

Sing like never before, oh my soul

I’ll worship Your Holy name

VERSE 1

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning

It’s time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

VERSE 2

You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger

Your name is great and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

VERSE 3

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forevermore

When you face a battle, no matter how miniscule or mountainous, remember to keep singing hymns of praise.

Find your favorite, memorize it, and like Asaph, sing God’s praise!

Pastor Pam

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