Psalm 78:32-55
Today we continue the retelling of Israel’s history in Psalm 78, with the psalmist focusing on Israel’s rebelliousness, even in the wilderness soon after their deliverance from Egypt, and God’s faithfulness through it all. There were a few verses that stuck out for me. First, But they flattered Him with their mouths; they lied to Him with their tongues. Their heart was not steadfast toward Him; they were not faithful to His covenant. (vv. 36-37) These verses make me consider the sincerity of my own prayer time. I wonder if or how I might be lying to God, or if my praise might simply be empty flattery. A horrible thought…!!
There was a second verse that stuck out for me, He remembered that they were but flesh…(v. 39a) This verse was initially a comfort to me, that God understood that His creation had fallen and that we were subject to the evil forces that surround us. But upon further reflection, I saw that these words only created an excuse for me to continue in my own rebellious ways. “Yeah, I’m only human…” Not true!! I have Jesus’ death on the cross as an atonement for all my wrongdoings. I have His Holy Spirit living within me. I have His promise of everlasting life. I am not merely “human”!
And with it all, the glory belongs to God: Yet He, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; He restrained His anger often and did not stir up all His wrath. (v. 38) We have a gracious God!!