Psalm 81 - Sing for joy to the Lord!

Psalm 81

This is another psalm of Asaph, essentially it seems to be a call to worship God exuberantly. 

It begins with a call to sing for joy to \god, remember that is Philippians Paul calls on us to rejoice. Then we are called to use musical instruments. \we are also given part of the motivation: “God is our strength”. All sorts of things will seek to stop us worshipping God, but we must not give in to them. Worshipping God is an ordinance, it is what we should do, and what we must do.

God removed the burden of Egyptian slavery from the shoulders of the Israelites, it is in God’s nature to set us free from oppression.

“If only you would listen”, there was a point when Jesus wept over Jerusalem, knowing that her refusal to recognise Him would lead only to suffering. If only they would worship only Him,” But my people would not listen”, these are tragic words and we should pay heed to the warnings. If we trust in the Lord and worship Him we shall be free.

Psalm 80 - restore us Lord

Psalm 80

This is another psalm of Asaph. He is calling on God to come and save them. God had given Israel His law, but she had repeatedly failed to trust the Lord preferring to turn to idols and other nations. Now she was in a real mess. We can all probably identify with this. We think we can manage without God but then find ourselves in deep trouble. We need God to restore us, for His face to shine upon us, to bring an end to the days when He seems to be against us.

Then from v8 the psalmist remembers what God had done in the past. He rescued them from Egypt and drove out nations so that they could possess the Promised Land. God had raised up Israel for Himself, we too have been saved for Christ’s sake. We need God to revive us, to restore us.

Psalm 79 - They have defiled your temple

Psalm 79

This is a psalm of Asaph, it seems to have been written after the Babylonian invasion, when many died, and the temple was ruined. The psalmist calls out to God, telling Him of the destruction, he knows that it is ultimately the result of God’s anger against them and calls out for God to judge the nations. For in attacking God’s people the nations are attacking God. The psalmist knows that it is the sins of past generations that are the real cause, so he calls on God to have mercy on them, for Him to deliver them and to forgive their sins. Recognising our sins and looking for mercy and forgiveness are the only way to properly approach God. This will bring glory to God. God’s name is glorified when people repent and are restored by His grace.

Psalm 78 - hear my teaching

Psalm 78

The psalm starts with a call to hear the teaching of the psalmist. He says he will give a parable, Jesus, of course, was famous for teaching with parables. Then he says the lessons are from of old, but at the same time were hidden. What does this mean? The Old Testament all points towards Jesus and the gospels, but it is only in \new \testament times that they were revealed. Note the importance of passing them on to the next generation, it is important to tell them “the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders He has done. God’s giving of the Law to Israel wa an act of grace and kindness, The aim was that they would trust the Lord.

However, Israel was not very good at keeping the Law or trusting in God. The “men of Ephraim” are singled out. There is then reference to the exodus from Egypt, and all that followed.

There was a repeated pattern of Israel turning to God when in trouble, but soon forgetting Him once they were delivered. We need to remember the Lord. They repeatedly put God to the test, turning to idols, we should ensure that we do not do the same, Even so God showed mercy to Israel.

Psalm 77 - I cried out to God for help

Psalm 77

This is not a psalm of David, but is a cry for help. There are lots of cries for help psalms, crying out to God for help is normal.

The psalmist was in distress, and “would not be comforted”. The psalmist was experiencing deep anguish, he wondered if God would reject him forever, if God’s promises had failed, had God forgotten to be merciful. We can have all sorts of negative thoughts, God can still handle us. So the psalmist reminds himself of what God has done in the past. God has not forgotten us, He will rescue us,

Psalm 76 - God is renowned

Psalm 76

This psalm of Asaph seems to be a reflection on the greatness of God, and His relationship to Judah. \he is known in Israel, God is meant to be known among His people, and He dwells among them. He defends His people against their enemies. There are no enemies who can stand against the Lord. He alone is to be feared, so there is nothing nor anyone who comes against us whom we should fear. Many people have a problem with the wrath of God, but when everything is brought to a conclusion, people will praise God for His wrath. So the wise man gives his devotion to the Lord.

Psalm 75 - the God who is near

Psalm 75

This is a psalm of Asaph and is a song of praise. God is praised because He is near. God is not a distant God, but one who is near. In Eden He walked in the garden. In Christ He came to dwell amongst us, and He gives His Holy Spirit to dwell within us.

God acts with justice, and he exalts or brings down. If we want justice we should praise and exalt the Lord.z