JENNY'S PSALM REFLECTIONS: 75 VERSE 1

This week’s verse is Psalm 75 verse 1.

    "We give thanks to you, oh God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds.”

Background:

This Psalm, like Psalm 74, was also written by Asaph, a musician who served in King David’s court. He is known for his beautiful and inspirational music, which was inspired by his deep understanding of Scripture. 

Psalm 75 is a conversation about the power of God in the world, and alternates between the Psalmist (verse 1, 6-9) and God (verses 2-5, and 10). Despite a shaking world and marauding armies, the earth does not break apart because God is holding it together. The Psalmist has a great confidence in God sustaining him and the world.

The word “the horn” appears a few times in this Psalm. No, it does not mean the horn of a rhinoceros (!) but rather symbolises great strength. The Psalmist refers to an administrative power under which the wicked would be punished, and where the righteous would be protected. In this manner, it is an emblem of the administration of God.

I think that this is a Psalm which can help us as we live through a new European war and a somewhat tumultuous political time in our own country. When our world seems to rock on its foundations, we have hope. It was God who created it, and it is God who holds it steady until his purposes for it can be fulfilled. 

We must be careful of too much pride as well. When we become too proud, something usually comes along to remind us that we are not the centre of the universe. Something generally happens to bring us “down to earth.” Conversely, when we are humble, God generally lifts us up and allows us to achieve great things through our deeds.

Meditation

1. FIND A QUIET PLACE. 

Make sure that you are in a quiet place. Sit comfortably but alert – feet flat on the floor, back pushed hard against the back of the chair. Start your reflection by being open and ready to God’s presence.

2. Focus on your breathing.

Pay attention to in-breaths and out-breaths. You may think of breathing in God’s life and peace and breathing out any tension.

3. Be aware of your body.

Let your aches and pains be there. Rest your hands in your lap; you don’t need to be doing anything with them now. Rest your feet on the floor; you don’t need to go anywhere. Shrug your shoulders, ease your neck. Take time to become still and repeat verse 12 to yourself. Think of how God has stood by you in times of trouble and how you have felt his support.

4. Say the verses aloud to yourself

 In the stillness, listen to what God might be saying to you. Finish with the prayer below.

Heavenly Father, may we find sustenance in your presence and know that your love holds us through both the dark times and the bright; we ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen