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Daily Devotion: Psalm 83:1-2 and 18

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Psalm 83:1-2  A Song or Psalm of Asaph.   "Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.  (2)  For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head."

Psalm 83:18    "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."

Both Psalm 82 and 83 are prayers for God to place His judgment on those who seek to destroy the people of God. There seems to be a theme throughout the Bible of individuals, or groups of individuals, who raise the question: "How long, O Lord?" When are you going to show yourself on behalf of those who are being persecuted? We live in a world today where there is still persecution of Christians. We might find ourselves asking that question also, "Lord, how long will this continue?" We hold the thoughts in our minds that the Psalmist expressed when he said, "Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God." I find my thoughts rambling as we are in these particular Psalms, but the Lord seems to always bring my heart back to this place: "Why am I praying this particular prayer?" What is my purpose? What is my aim? Am I asking the Lord to show Himself strong that I may live in comfort? Am I asking the Lord to show Himself strong that I might not have to take a particular public stand? Am I asking the Lord to "keep not silent" in order that I may be able to maintain my silence? I honestly don't know the answer to these questions. I'm not sure what my motive is even to the point that I am hesitant to speak. But if my motive doesn't somehow settle on the thoughts of Psalm 83:18 above, then I have missed the mark concerning my motivation. My overall desire must be "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth." Lord, please show yourself strong in order that men will humble themselves before you. Please show yourself strong that men will understand that your glory and honor is to be foremost in our hearts, minds, and actions. Please Lord, "Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God."

Be Still, My Soul by Jean Sibelius

Be still my soul the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain

Be still my soul thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end

Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last

Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below

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