Psalms 76
Psalms 76:1-12 (NLT)
1 For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be accompanied by stringed instruments. God is honored in Judah; his name is great in Israel.
2 Jerusalem is where he lives; Mount Zion is his home.
3 There he has broken the fiery arrows of the enemy, the shields and swords and weapons of war. Interlude
4 You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains.
5 Our boldest enemies have been plundered. They lie before us in the sleep of death. No warrior could lift a hand against us.
6 At the blast of your breath, O God of Jacob, their horses and chariots lay still.
7 No wonder you are greatly feared! Who can stand before you when your anger explodes?
8 From heaven you sentenced your enemies; the earth trembled and stood silent before you.
9 You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God, and to rescue the oppressed of the earth. Interlude
10 Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon.
11 Make vows to the LORD your God, and keep them. Let everyone bring tribute to the Awesome One.
12 For he breaks the pride of princes, and the kings of the earth fear him.
In consideration of our vows of life commitment to the King and His kingdom, it is most useful to elevate the position, majesty, power, and glory of the One to whom they are made. Not only is He alone in His strength, effortlessly overcoming any opposition, but He’s committed to being our Defender. Having Him on our side is no small thing. How essential it is, then, to ensure that there is no opposition, no resistance, no faltering in our commitment to participation on His side. Although His grace and mercy are required to be with Him at all, they are not to be abused in reducing the gravity of our uncompromised service to His purpose. He will forgive and restore the repentant heart, but there should be a healthy concern about any disregard or honor for the areas our hearts have been drawn to for commitment to Him.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NLT)
12 …for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.