Psalm 83 & 84 -- Two Very Different Psalms

Psalm 83 is a cry for God to see what is happening and to do what is necessary to glorify His name.  A great coalition of Israel’s neighbor nations had allied against them, and Asaph wanted God to act.  “Asaph was troubled because the Lord had said nothing … and done nothing … to stop the huge confederacy from advancing.  Literally, he prayed, ‘Let there be no rest to You ….’  It was time for God to take notice and act,” my commentary said.

I always flinch at prayers to harm enemies, but I read in my commentary, “If Asaph’s prayers seem vindictive, remember that he was asking God to protect His special people who had a special work to see on earth.”  Messiah had not yet come and that kingly line of David needed protection.

“’Hallowed be Thy name’ is the first request in the Lord’s Prayer and must be the motive that governs all of our praying.  The Most High God is sovereign over all the earth!”

Like a light switch flicking from on to off, the tone changes greatly in Psalm 84.  The writer just wants to be near God and near His Temple, and he says, “My delight is in the Lord, my strength is in the Lord, and my trust is in the Lord.” 

Regarding our delight, my commentary said, “The important thing is that we have a heart devoted to the Lord, a spiritual appetite that cries out for nourishing fellowship with the Lord … How easy it is for us to take for granted the privilege of worshipping the Living God, a privilege purchased for us on the cross.”

The psalmist describes the Valley of Baca – “a name for any difficult and painful place in life, where everything seems hopeless and you feel helpless, like a pit of despair.  The people who love God expect to pass through this valley and not remain there.  They get a blessing from the experience and they leave a blessing behind.

Trusting in the Lord, he then lifted his petition to Him.  My commentary said, “When you walk by faith, you put the Lord and His will first, and you keep your priorities straight … The psalmist didn’t aspire to high office … but was willing to sit at the threshold of the Temple, just to be close to the Lord.  To men and women of faith, the Lord is all they need … If we walk by faith, then whatever begins with grace will ultimately end with glory.  God does not give us everything we want, but He bestows upon us all that is good for us, all that we need.”

Father, help me to pray that Your will will be done on earth, and remind me daily that my delight is in You, my strength comes from you, and my trust is only in You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford