Psalm 79:9-11 - August 16, 2009

Ps 79:9-11 Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. 10 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. 11 May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die. NIV

Are you jealous for God’s reputation? The cry of this psalmist’s heart is the cry of a heart burdened for the glory of the Lord’s name and the condition of his own people. He so clearly understands the impact that a saint of God living below the level of God’s promises has on how people perceive the Lord. His heart is aching to see the name of the Lord lifted on high and to see the mockery of those who judge the Lord by the condition of His people put to silence. Do men honor God because of the victory in your life? Does the blessing you are walking in cause people to consider the goodness of the Lord and to reflect upon His powerful hand to deliver and save? When God’s people are victimized and there is no answer from heaven the name of the Lord is brought low and yet we know that the reason that God allows His people to be put to shame is that too often their ways are not pleasing to Him. He allows suffering to come so that we will cry out to Him and turn from our sinful ways.
The psalmist sees the glory of God being turned to ashes and so he cries out for forgiveness of sin and deliverance from bondage and the evil that has befallen God’s people. The cry of the psalmist is for God to arise and vindicate His name by delivering His people from their oppressors. “Why should the nations say ‘where is there God?” He has heard their reproach and is grieved for the sake of God’s name. Oh, that God’s people today would have a heart of understanding and possess this same holy jealousy for the glory of God’s name. God is longing for a people who as jealous over Him as He is over us! There is a prayer that rises from this heart that moves things in the heavenly realms. There is an intercession that flows out of holy jealousy that is not motivated by self but by a longing to see the Lord exalted in the heart of every man and every woman. Lord let this jealousy touch our lives. Help us to see the impact of the testimony of an upright life! One that is truly blessed by God! When we become jealous for God’s reputation in the earth and live in such a way that brings Him glory then His answer to our cries comes speedily. Let it be your prayer today that the Lord would soften you both for the sake of His name and the sake of the prisoners who only have hope of deliverance if the mighty God arises on their behalf. Soften us Oh Lord to the burdens that burden your heart. Fill us with that same longing to see the mocker silenced and the chains of the captives broken.