Psalm 79:1-13
As we start Psalm 79 the Israelites are calling out to the Lord. Their situation isn't good. They've gotten out of sync with God and as a result, other nations have come in and defiled God's temple and "laid Jerusalem in ruins" (vs. 1). Then we see these telling words "How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?" (vs. 5).
So what does Psalm 79, and specifically verse 5, show us about God's love and desire to have a relationship with us? Tami W.
God is very slow to anger and slow to pour out His wrath. He desires a relationship with each of us, despite our sin. However, that relationship has to be on His terms, not ours. He will allow suffering and even defeat to come into our lives to "move" us toward Him. That's what I see in this psalm.
As I read this psalm though, I'm not sure that the writer is truly ready for a relationship with God as much as he is ready for God to take vengeance on His enemies. The focus seems to be more on God punishing the wicked than on the writer returning to God. I'm afraid that is how I am sometimes. I would rather God take care of the problems that I have than I would submit to His leadership and direction. I would rather have God turn on my enemies than I would turn to Him in some areas. Father, please help us to focus on You and only You. The rest, including the enemies, will be taken care of.
God was the originator of "tough love". He never quits loving us, but He cannot stand sin. The Isrealites did it again - turned away from God. So, God had to turn from them. As soon as they repent, they feel / see God's love once again. Same thing for us. When we turn from God, it hurts Him, and He has to turn away from us. He waits for us to come back to Him. He NEVER abandons us - we abandon Him.
I'm sorry to hear the other 'Mary' ended her marriage. God does hate divorce but he loves the sinners. Just as in any sinful state. Even though I stuck it out with my husband and we’ve been together 42 years they have not been all God planned for me. As in all choices made without God there are consequences. I must say
If it weren't for Jesus Christ in my life, always there loving my husband for me, My marriage would've been over long ago, and possibly my life. We all need friends and Christian guidance. But sometimes we have to go it alone, yet with Christ we are never alone. The Joy of The Lord is my strength. I pray and long for my husband to know Jesus and start to have a relationship with him before it is too late and so we can enjoy our golden years together.
The Israelites, like what is happening now in our world take God for granted. This is so wrong. God created us and we must revere Him. His love for us is unfathomable and unconditional.
Most of Psalm 79 speaks to what the nations are doing them. They have not confessed their sin. Only in verse 9 are they asking for God's help. When we sin we must confess our wrong and then seek God's help. In our world we glorify men and not God so of course our Almighty father must be jealous! we must focus on Him and Him only. i pray that our people will open their hearts, seek forgiveness and live our lives as our Lord says. Believe in and trust Him. He is the One who died so we can have salvation. He is the One who loves and takes care of us. He is the One who never leaves us. Let us read and study His Word daily.