Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 1-123 Sunday 08 Jul 2001

Reading: PSALM 68 – CARING AND COMPASSIONATE

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us’ (A W Tozer, 1897-1963).

This psalm is a celebration of God’s greatness, power and majesty, probably written to be sung during a royal procession (vs 24-27). It enthuses that God has overcome his enemies, and no human can stand against him. God is all-powerful, he strikes fear into his enemies and scatters kings. There is a lovely picture of rugged mountains looking in envy at the mountains where God dwells. This God has thousands and thousands of chariots. The whole psalm is a declaration that God is almighty and all-victorious, and to be feared by all his enemies.

I find it easy enough to praise and worship such a wonderful God, but I find it more difficult to relate to him. In fact, he can seem quite intimidating, even frightening. So it is a relief to go back through the psalm and draw together some other strands of God’s character.

After such a glorious introduction to a God who rides on the clouds (v 4), we read that God is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (v 5). He puts lonely people into families, and releases those who have been imprisoned (v 6). He refreshes his weary people, he provides for the poor (v 10), and he bears our burdens (v 19). And notice in that lovely description of the procession (vs 24-27) that it is the little tribe of Benjamin that leads all the singers, musicians and worshippers. Now I begin to see a God who cares about me, and with whom I can be in a loving relationship.

Perhaps too often we allow ourselves to see only one aspect of God, and forget the need to see the bigger picture. This psalm challenges me to remember God’s greatness together with his compassion and care.

Tell God about areas of weakness or need you are aware of in your life, and allow him to comfort you.

– Rosemary Linton

Copyright Scripture Union, 2001