An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Psalms of Depression

(Psa 74:21 KJV)  O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.

(Proverbs 14 also read)

This is one depressing Psalm.  I did not check any commentaries but from the language of destruction it seems like this is set after the southern kingdom was deported and Jerusalem destroyed.  Not a happy time and that is reflected in the text.  I would say it is obvious that the writer is devout and faithful yet he is still immersed in the destruction.  That should say something to us today as we are concerned about the way things are going in our country.

Then you come to this verse and the back handed hope that is involved.  It would seem that we can be “oppressed” (1790) and “poor" (afflicted NASB) (6041)and “needy” (34) and still be expected to “praise” (1984b).  Not only is it expected but it is possible.  You might say it is necessary for our spiritual survival.  In my limited experience with persecution I find that spending time in praise gives you a totally different view of the situation.

So?  Get into the habit of praise and thanksgiving when things are not destructive.  It will establish a pattern and habits that can carry over into the times when things really get bad. 

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