Those of us close to God—who are known as his people—know his name to be great. By experience. Our testimony is that God is who he says he is—he lives up to his name and his throne is established. He can be trusted.
No matter what.
“In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel. His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.” Psalm 76:1-2
He is a protector. He breaks the weapons of war raised against us. If you’re facing loss, press into his safety net to see him break the flashing arrows of pain that assault you. As Moses said to God’s people in Exodus 14:13, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord…”
“Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey. The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands. At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned.” Psalm 76:4-6
Asaph adds to the testimony of God’s greatness by exclaiming that he is glorious. Let me reiterate: No matter what you’re facing, God’s greatness, glory, and majesty are on display. No matter what you face as prey, Asaph continues and testifies that God is more majestic than mountains filled with the prey-hungry. The stouthearted enemy is no match, and they are paralyzed by the glory of God. They sink into a slumber.
No stalker of prey—or any ramification of brokenness—can stand before the presence of God. Evil fears God. Remember, demons know our God and shudder (James 2:19). Quake. Stunned. Spoiled. Our enemies rouse the ire of God, and they are no match for his greatness.
“From the heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still, when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth.” Psalm 76: 8-9
The arrogant are at risk. Judgment is delivered from heaven. The humble are saved. As Solomon realized in Ecclesiastes 5:2, God is in heaven and we are on earth and we need to humble ourselves. We should not be hasty with our words. We should let our words be few.
“It is suitable to my heart to yield to God and to be content…The Lord knows how to order things better than I; the Lord sees further than I do…” Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
The arrogant will be humbled. They will praise the name—every knee and every tongue (Philippians 2:10-11).
The wise humble themselves, trust the hand of God, and obey his instruction. Trust the hand of God when good or bad fortune comes your way. Respond to God by making promises that you keep. Faithful to a faithful God. “You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he has commanded you” (Deuteronomy 6:17).
He is to be feared by the kings of the earth. Bring him the gift of your faithfulness.
“Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared, who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.” Psalm 76:10-11
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