Psalm 68

This psalm is one of triumph; not one of angst where David is discouraged, asking God to beat his enemies, but one of success and of conquest, of a Mighty God Who is Abba, Father. I don't get the idea that he was passively writing a happy song, but rather that he was committed to expressing the triumph God has over his enemies, and the certain pleasure we His children have in being a part of God's family. As I read this psalm I couldn't help but wonder what David's physical demeanor was when he wrote it. Was he "pumped?" Did he strut a bit? Did he "high five" his assistant?

David starts with, "May God arise…enemies be scattered…foes flee…blow them away…wicked perish…"

"…But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful…Sing to God, sing praise to His name."

I love that!

Then, David tells us how God takes care of us personally, we who cannot take care of ourselves: "father to the fatherless…defender of widows… [maker] of families…leads prisoners with singing…Our Savior Who daily bears our burdens"

Next he tells how God cares for us as a people: "You refreshed Your weary inheritance…Your people…Your bounty…You provided for the poor"

Mighty God shows Himself and the strength He gives to His people: "When You marched through the wasteland the earth shook…Kings and armies flee…Almighty scattered the kings…Chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands…Our God is a God Who saves"

God's glory is seen as a procession being led by singers, then musicians. [Cool!]

God's might among the bullying nations in relation to His more vulnerable people is described as "rebuking the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves." And as a result of their defeat, "kings will bring gifts...bars of silver…envoys will submit their nations to God."

Verse 35 concludes, "You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary, the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God!"

Please don't settle for this little summary. Read the entire psalm. The power and majesty and comfort that God intends us to know are much better expressed by David, himself.

And for those of you who enjoy contemporary Christian music, you'll enjoy knowing that Chris Tomlin's song "Let God Arise" is based on this psalm. Enjoy listening. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2RlULvKVWs