Psalm 72

Read Psalm 79

This Psalm begins  with  great despair and a plea to God after the destruction of  Jerusalem by the Babylonians.  Jerusalem has been destroyed and the people of Israel  have been slaughtered. A civilization destroyed.   Asaph, the writer of this Psalm cries out to God in  lament at this fall of this nation by enemy nations.  “…they have defiled your temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.”  (verse 1)

Asaph cries out to God for justice and vengeance for those who have caused such suffering and pleads with God to punish those responsible.   Asaph cries out “How long, O LORD?  Will you be angry forever?” (verse 5)  Asaph asks the question that many sufferers among God’s people ask.  The disaster made Asaph question, but it did not make him an atheist. 

Asaph then humbles himself before God and admitted the sin of Israel against God.  “Do not remember against us our former iniquities;  let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.  Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name;  deliver us, and atone for our sins, for  your name’s sake!”  (verse  8-9)    Aspah knew that only the LORD could provide atonement for sin, and he pleads with God to act out of His mercy and compassion, knowing his dependence was upon God alone.   

Although  this is a psalm that is filled with much pain and destruction, praise God, it ends with great hope in the Only True God, the One who is Sovereign over all, reminding us who we are in Him.  “But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise. “  (verse 13)

Personally and as a family, a church, a nation there are times when our  sin brings destruction, heartache and ruin.  This psalm reminds us to be a people that seek God in these moments with   a humble heart, repent and turn to God, knowing He is the God of our Salvation.  Remember to  depend upon Him and trust Him wholeheartedly .  And know we can praise and worship Him for He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep, and He will guide us through these difficult times with His great love,  grace, peace and hope. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”  John 10:27

- Karen P.