JENNY'S PSALM REFLECTIONS: 76 VERSE 7

This week’s verse is Psalm 76 verse 7.

    "But you indeed are awesome”

Background:

This Psalm 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. Asaph’s music was a source of great comfort to the people of Israel, and his Psalms continue to inspire and encourage people today.

Psalm 76 refers to the "Majesty of God in Judgment." However, I particularly like how the Jerusalem Bible regards it as an "ode to God the awe-inspiring.” We often try to capture God in our descriptions but it is impossible. The one who has created the universe and all that is in it, is almost indescribable, and “awesome” is a word which sums Him up very well.

We often forget this aspect of God in our prayer lives. We ask God for things and complain about our lives, but rarely, do we take time to just sit in stillness and allow ourselves to be totally amazed by this wonderful world. The Psalmist has clearly been struck by the majesty, grandeur and power of God and there are few words that can do God justice here.

There is also an element of deep respect here as well. It is not fear but rather a realisation of his greatness and glory that can be summed up in the words of Proverbs 1 verse 7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” 

Finally, Anne Lamott, an American writer describes this best. She says that “the prayer for the Daily Office can be simply summarised. Moring Prayer can be thought of as “Whatever”. And Evening Prayer is an “Ah well..”. Elsewhere there are three other prayers: “Help,” “Thanks” and “Wow!”. But we spend too little time thanking God and saying “Wow.”

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.

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 7 to yourself. You may even want to sit outside and simply breathe in the world around you and rejoice as you sit “in awe” of God’s glory.

4. Say the verses aloud to yourself

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

Majestic and gracious God, you are more awesome than those who rule us, more powerful than the wars of nations, restrain our selfish demands and draw us all into the joyful life and wonder of your Kingdom, where you live and reign for ever and ever.