In Psalms 73 - 75, there is inner turmoil, as the Psalmist
wonders what to make of the success of the wicked who oppose the Lord
and His people. There are times of great confusion - “But when I tried
to understand this, it was too difficult for me” (Psalm 73:16). There
are times when the Psalmist is on the edge of despair - “Why, O God,
have You rejected us forever? Why does Your anger smoulder against the
sheep in Your care? ... How long, O God, will the enemy insult us? Will
the enemy despise You forever?” (Psalm 74:1,10). Despite all that runs
counter to God, the Psalmist remains strong in faith. He triumphs over
all that opposes the purpose of God in his life - “God remains the
foundation of my life and my inheritance forever ... From long ago, God
has been my King, the One who has been victorious throughout the earth
... We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks. You are present, and
Your miracles confirm that ... I will speak about Your miracles forever.
I will make music to praise the God of Jacob” (Psalm 73:26; Psalm
74:12; Psalm 75:1,9).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
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