 We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds. 2 “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. 3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; 5 do not lift up your horn on high, or speak with haughty neck.’” 6 For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, 7 but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. 8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs. 9 But I will declare it forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up. Meditation Suffering and struggle are not the end of the story. God is the “just judge of all the earth” (Genesis 18:25) and working all things for His glory. “At the set time… I will judge with equity” (2). The God who upholds the earth (3) will uphold justice. Those who practice injustice and wickedness through boasting and lifting themselves up will be brought low in the judgment of the Lord. The Lord will humble those who exalt themselves. “God executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another” (7). The reversal of worldly rank recalls the songs of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-11) and Mary (Luke 1:46-56) as it calls us into a greater reality. “The name of the Lord is near” (1) even in a world of suffering and fear. God’s name is His personal revelation (Exodus 34:5, 14) and invitation for believers to call upon Him to be saved (Acts 2:21). We give thanks and recount His merciful deeds (1). The humble exalt the name of the Lord in praise (9). Those made righteous by the Lord will be lifted up while those who exalt themselves will be brought low (10). Suffering and struggle are not the end of the story- God is the judge of all the earth and working all things for His glory! Richly Dwelling -Do you feel like suffering and struggles are the end of the story? How does the promised reversal of reality fuel hope in your heart? -The judgment of a just judge is only hopeful if you will be declared innocent. Jesus is the ONLY way a wicked and rebellious people can be made righteous before the just judge of all the earth. Is your faith in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins? -Those who humble themselves before the cross will be lifted up through Christ. If you have called on the name of the Lord to be saved how can you live a life of praise today? Key Verse 7 but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. Comments are closed.
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