Psalm 76 Devotional
by Pastor David Groendyk

One common literary device in Hebrew poetry is called ‘parallelism’ where an author describes one thought in two different ways in back-to-back lines. Verse 1 of today’s psalm is a great example. The phrase “In Judah God is known” is parallel with the next phrase “his name is great in Israel.” God being known is synonymous with God’s name being great. God is made great when his people know him. Anyone who does not magnify and glorify God with their whole life has not really known the one true God. If we have a true knowledge of our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, it will necessarily lead to us making much of him. What do you make much of in your life? What do you spend your time doing, talking about, learning about? What would those around you say excites you?

The rest of this psalm describes the benefits of knowing this God and why he deserves to be praised and glorified. For one, God dwells with his people (v. 2). Historically-speaking, this psalm was probably written at a time when God delivered his people from enemy invaders. That deliverance led the people to remember, reflect on, and rejoice in the fact that God lives in the midst of his people. God could be aloof and far off. He is the God of the entire universe, after all. But he chooses to be close to us instead. That means that enemies stand no chance. What a privilege for God’s people! God does not dwell with any one political country now; his presence is with his church, both in individual believers and the corporate body as a whole. So although it may look like the church takes a beating in a very secular world, we can be assured that the church will never be snuffed out. Many scoff at the gospel message of being saved from eternal damnation by a God-man who died 2000 years ago; many mock those who believe that message; many wish the church didn’t exist. But with the unbeatable God on our side, we know that he has ordained men, women, and children throughout the rest of history to hear his Word and receive Jesus Christ.

Notice the one repeated description of God in the second half of this psalm—he is to be feared (vv. 7, 8, 11, 12). God’s power, majesty, glory, and victory are a call to every single soul to revere and honor him above all else. Those who already fear God are called to fear him more fully and completely (v. 11); those who do not already fear him are called to recognize him for who he truly is for the first time (v. 12). If you are already a Christian, have you seen yourself grow to honor and worship God in a more comprehensive way in your life? When was the last time you were convicted about not honoring God properly in a certain area of life? How are you actively proclaiming the gospel of God’s victory to the world?