Look To God For Help And Deliverance!
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Numbers 3-4 and Psalm 97 (NIV)
(Jabez Fong, Zone 4A Core Team Member)
READ:
Psalm 97 can be divided into two parts:
v1-9: God reigns!
v10-12: Continue to trust in God; he will take care of you!
OBSERVE:
The Lord is described in magnificent terms in this Psalm. The Psalmist begins by declaring that God reigns (v1), with the foundation of his throne being righteousness and justice (v2). Because God reigns, the whole span of creation – the earth and the coastlands can rejoice and be glad (v1)! God is also revealed in a manner which reminds us of God’s revelation to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, with the description of clouds, fire, and lightning (v3-5, Exodus 19).
God’s presence and revelation are so great that the heavens themselves proclaim his righteousness and glory (v6), which is contrasted against the worthless idols and their worshippers who are put to shame (v7). Once again in contrast to the worthless idols and those who put their faith in them, God’s people rejoice in God’s righteous judgements because he is exalted above all other powers (v8-9).
The Psalmist then turns his attention to the reader, calling them to reject evil because God is the one who is mighty to preserve his people and deliver them from wickedness (v10). God, as the source of all light, gives light and joy to the righteous (v11). All who are righteous then can rejoice in God, comforted that he will take care of them.
APPLY:
I’m not sure if you feel it too, but I feel like the world is becoming increasingly hostile towards Christians. Christians in Singapore might not face overt persecution, but there seems to be a growing rejection of Christian perspectives and opinions, especially concerning LGBT rights, marriage and family, abortion, and even how we use our gifts and resources. With this pushback, it seems that the things that I believe in are difficult pills for the people around me to swallow. I feel out of my depth, and unsure of how to respond in love.
When I read Psalms like this, I feel greatly comforted to remember that God is in control. Verses 10-12 remind me that my great God who commands the very elements defends his people. It is with this confidence that I can rejoice and be glad, knowing that God’s judgements are righteous and just and that he will indeed deliver me from the hands of the wicked.
DO:
When I am overwhelmed and feel afraid that I will be judged for my beliefs, I will look to God and remember that he is still on the throne! God who reigns with righteousness and justice will be with me and deliver me from my oppressors. I can hope in the Lord who has promised that he will never leave me nor forsake me. With this assurance, I can step forth into the world as salt and light, reflecting God’s love, righteousness, and justice wherever I go.
PRAY:
Magnificent Lord, thank you for the reminder that you are worthy of all praise and that your judgements are always righteous and just. As I navigate through the labyrinths of life, help me to cast my burdens and fears upon you, trusting that you care for me. When I face challenges to my faith and persecution for my convictions, help me to be bold in the face of opposition as I seek to remain faithful to you even when it is difficult. I trust that in your time, you will help me and vindicate me. Until then, help me to walk in step with you, looking to you for help no matter what might come my way. Amen.
