THOUGHTS ON PSALMS 78
THEME: REMEMBERING GOD BEFORE OUR CHILDREN — FROM TESTIMONY TO FAITH
MAIN VERSE
PSALM 78:7
“That they might set their hope in GOD, and not forget the works of GOD, but keep HIS commandments.”
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES
Deuteronomy 6:6–7;
Proverbs 22:6;
2 Timothy 1:5
Psalm 78 recounts GOD’s dealings with Israel as a nation and as a family, but it is also a mirror for us.
In this Psalms, we see GOD deliberately establishing a transgenerational pattern/ strategy for preserving faith. HE commanded the fathers to make HIS works known to their children (v.5) so that the next generation would know them and, in turn, teach their own children (v.6).
The goal was that they would set their hope in GOD, remember His works, and keep His commandments (v.7).
Psalm 78:5 says:
“…that they should make them known to their children.”
Who? The fathers.
And verse 6 says the generation to come should arise and teach their children.
So the chain begins at home.
Psalm 78 is unequivocal about this truth. The spiritual formation of children can not and is not to be outsourced to the church. That is the word of GOD.
For emphasis, 3 times, the responsibility was strongly drummed in verses 5, 6 &7- GOD commanded the fathers to make HIS works known to their children
The Junior Church, Sunday School teachers, children’s ministry, the church can teach, reinforce, provide the environment and support, but parents, and fathers, in particular, remain GOD’s primary custodians of their children’s spiritual formation.
If we notice, Asaph doesn’t just say, “Remember GOD’s work for yourself. In effect, what he is saying is ” Do not allow the next generation to grow up without knowing them.”
That is a deliberate transgenerational chain
There is no provision for a break in transmission.
What GOD did for us – we teach that to our children – our children teach their children – and so establishing GOD’s faithfulness as part of the family’s spiritual memory.
The goal isn’t just for bible knowledge, but that they might set their hope on GOD.
So parents must not only transmit information about GOD to their children, but do it in such a way as to deliberately tell the stories of GOD’s faithfulness which the children can mirror in their lives, making them easily know, trust and obey GOD.
The sons of Ephraim failed in that aspect.
This is the sobering situation that was mirrored in verse 9
“The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.”
They were equipped, but failed to use what they had been given. GOD was faithful enough to give them the mechanism for preserving faith across generations and somewhere along the way, memory failed, faith weakened and rebellion repeated itself. The children were watching and couldn’t relate the story their parents told about GOD to the realties of the lives of their parents.
Israel had witnessed GOD’s mighty acts repeatedly, yet when new challenges came, they questioned whether GOD could provide for them. They forgot yesterday’s evidence when faced with today’s uncertainty.
And that is our mirror.
How can we convince our children of GOD’s faithfulness when our lives speak contrary?
Sometimes, our problem is not that GOD has done too little, but that we remember too little. Present discomfort can make us doubt the GOD whose faithfulness we have already experienced.
Takeaway
– Remember what GOD has done. Teach it deliberately to our children. And use what GOD has entrusted to us.
– GOD’s testimonies are not merely stories about yesterday; they are foundations for tomorrow’s faith and treasures to be passed to the next generation.
– A child comes to Junior Church for one and half hour on Sunday, and then spends the remaining 167 hours of the week in the environment created by home, we cannot pretend the church has the primary influence.
– The Church is only a partner to a child’s spiritual formation. It is the parent who is the primary spiritual custodian.
– GOD stipulates, approves, and demands this behaviour for all christian parents.
– Excuses of forgetfulness are not acceptable before GOD
PRAYER
LORD,
– deliver me from spiritual forgetfulness.
– Help me remember Your faithfulness
– Help me to faithfully use what You have entrusted to me,
– Help me to deliberately pass the knowledge of You to my children and the generation coming after me.
Let what You have deposited in me not be wasted or die with me
– Help me, oh my GOD, i pray in the mighty name of JESUS, my Saviour, Amen.
THOUGHTS ON PSALM 79.
THEME: A Communal Lament and Plea for Mercy Following the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Defilement of the Temple.
This Psalm is a communal lament attributed to Asaph that cries out to God for mercy and restoration after the destruction and defilement of Jerusalem and the temple by foreign invaders (traditionally linked to the Babylonian exile).
Key Points And Structure:
▪︎ National Devastation and Suffering. Verses 1-4.
▪︎ The Plea for Justice. Verses 5-7.
▪︎ Confession and Cry for Mercy. Verses 8-10.
▪︎ Resolution and Praise. Verses 11-13.
KEY VERSE: Verse 11;
“LET THE SIGHING OF THE PRISONER COME BEFORE THEE; ACCORDING TO THE GREATNESS OF THY POWER PRESERVE THOU THOSE THAT ARE APPOINTED TO DIE.”
LESSONS:
Let us not keep silent when things go wrong within and around us. But let us lift our voices and cry out loud for God’s intervention like Asaph did here.
Prayer:
Father, we thank You for preserving our lives in this nation, Nigeria. Now Father, we cry for Your intervention in our economy and every other aspect that things are not done right! We will not wait until what happened to Your people in this chapter happen to us here in Nigeria. Arise O God! Let Your enemies ( the enemies of the church) in Nigeria and in the world at large be scattered! In Jesus Christ’s Mighty Name ,we pray! Amen! Thank You, Jesus!
REFLECTIONS ON PSALMS 80
Psalms Chapter EIGHTY describes a PRAYER or CRY to God to turn back God’s people to Him as well as RESCUE from Oppressors.
Key Scriptures
(Psalms 80:3)
“Restore us Oh God. Let Your Face shine that we might be saved”
REFLECTIONS
“GOD OF RESTORATION”
RESTORATION Implies “bringing back to original state”
The Psalm also confirms that man lacks the CAPACITY to restore hence the APPEAL to the Sovereign God who is OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENCE
WHAT TO RESTORE?
We require Divine Intervention in the following areas:
1 RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
The most important Area of Restoration is our relationship with God that may be affected when we sin.
Thankfully, when we confess our sins, He is faithful and Just to forgive us and cleanse us from All Unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:8-10)
Hallelujah
2. RESCUE FROM OPPRESSORS
Affliction arises when we stray!
(Psalms 119:67)
Some consequences of Affliction is oppression by other forces and “strongmen”
Restoration implies DIVINE RESCUE and FREEDOM from oppression.
PROSPER IN HEALTH & SOUL
Another major area of RESTORATION for the believer is our HEALTH & MIND.
Yes, the Lord expects us to Prosper and be in Health even as our soul prospers.
If and when Infirmity arises, He is ABLE by the Stripes of Jesus to restore us to Wholeness.
Thank you Jesus for RESTORATION in our bodies
CONDITIONS FOR RESTORATION
Brethren, we have established that Restoration is AVAILABLE.
Let us embrace and appropriate this BENEFIT through:
1. REPENTANCE
2. HUMILITY
3. OBEDIENCE/ KEEPING HIS WORD
4. SERVICE IN HIS VINEYARD
Restore us Oh God. Amen.
Prayer
We pray to the Father to restore our Joy, Our Peace and and Our Strength in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen
THOUGHTS ON PSALM EIGHTY- ONE
KEY VERSE
“I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.”
Psalms 81:10 NKJV
In the New King James Version of the bible, Psalm 81 is aptly titled “An Appeal for Israel’s Repentance”.
It celebrates the Exodus from Egypt, thus highlighting God’s goodness versus Israel’s waywardness and present wanderings.
We are in our year of Ebenezer and this appeal provides us an opportunity for reflection and renewal of our strength for life’s daily struggle while awaiting the manifestation of God’s Help in whatever area it is needed.
As outlined in the Psalm, engaging Praise and worship as an instrument to attract the God’s help, rather than bemoaning our present circumstances, or wandering further away from God by seeking alternatives which may not necessarily work, is the way to go.
Specifically in verses 1-3, different ways to engage are highlighted;
– we can sing aloud
– we can make a joyful noise
– we can take a psalm, or a song of praise
– we can use a musical instrument
– we can blow the trumpet
In the year of Ebenezer, there’s no room for us to be indifferent or lackadaisical about Praise and worship. To address this, in case you find yourself still reluctant to give God praise, the Psalmist shares a formula to re -ignite our interest. Be deliberate to think about what God has done for you in seasons past;
– Your salvation which is a free gift you didn’t earn or deserve
– Your deliverance from previous task masters
– His provisions and daily loads of benefits
– answers to past prayers
However, it goes without saying that Israel had to meet certain conditions to enjoy the fulfilment of promises of God, and so must we, to see the manifestation of God’s help. One of the conditions is to have no foreign gods.
We recall that this was also the first condition Israel had to meet before they saw God’s hand against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 7.
It is therefore non-negotiable that God must be our only option. The days of running from pillar to post must cease. Our Help is here.
His promises are Yes and Amen in Christ Jesus.
God gave us an assurance that as we listen and walk in His ways (vs 13), He will…..
1. Subdue our enemies (vs 13-14)
2. Turn His hand against our adversaries (vs 14)
3. Subjugate the haters of God (vs 15)
4. Bless us eternally
5. Provide the best things in life for us (vs 16)
6. Satisfy us with good things.
REFLECTIONS ON PSALM 82
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 82 is a powerful chapter from the book of Psalms, written as a psalm of Asaph. This chapter serves as a divine courtroom drama, where God stands as the Supreme Judge over earthly judges who have failed to uphold justice and righteousness. It is a potent reminder of God’s ultimate authority and the human responsibility to serve justice.
Courtroom atmosphere: God as Judge, rulers as defendants.
Sharp dialogue followed by divine verdict and closing prayer.
Repetition of gods both for the Lord and for human judges highlights the contrast between perfect and flawed justice.
KEYWORDS
The Judge Arrives (v. 1)
The Charges (vv. 2–4)
The Diagnosis (v. 5)
The Verdict (vv. 6–7)
The Appeal (v. 8)
LIFE APPLICATION
1. All authority is borrowed. God audits every courtroom, boardroom, and parliament.
2. Neglect of the needy shakes a society’s foundations. Crime, instability, and distrust follow.
3. Titles do not trump accountability. “Like mortals you will die” reminds leaders of their mortality.
4. Believers are called to echo verse 8, praying and working for God’s justice “on earth as it is in heaven.”
SUMMARY
The Psalm is a thunderclap reminding generations that God defends the weakest and dethrones the proud. A society flourishes when its leaders mirror the character of the Ultimate Judge, whose gavel always falls on the side of mercy and truth.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I ask you to raise up leaders who will govern with justice and integrity, reflecting your character and pray for those who are oppressed and marginalized, that they may find justice and relief. I request your guidance in how i can be an agent of justice and mercy in my own sphere of influence. I pray for faith to trust in your ultimate justice and sovereignty over all nations and leaders in Jesus name, Amen.
THOUGHTS ON PSALM CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX.
THEME: Humble Prayer Rooted in Unfailing Character and Mercy of God During Times of Trouble and Distress.
This Psalm is an impassioned prayer of David that blends desperate cries for mercy in times of trouble with profound praise for God’s unmatched greatness and character.
STRUCTURE AND KEY POINTS.
▪︎ Plea for Help and Mercy: Verses1 -7.
▪︎ Praise of God’s Uniqueness: Verses 8-10.
Pledge of Obedience: Verses 11-13.
▪︎ Petition Against Enemies: Verses 14-17.
Lessons:
The Psalm teaches believers how to pray during deep weakness or distress by anchoring their requests not in strength but in the compassionate forgiving and steadfast character of God.
PRAYER
Father, help us to always trust in Your unfailing love and mercy, knowing that when we call You, You will answer.
Thank You, Jesus!
Reflections On Psalms 87
Psalms Chapter EIGHTY-SEVEN recorded the “GLORIOUS THINGS SPOKEN OF THE CITY OF GOD”
Key Scriptures
(Psalms 87:3)
“Glorious things are spoken of you, O City of God”
It is interesting and curious that our God can be POSSESSIVE!
In fact, God is JEALOUS!!
God has designated “ZION” as His Dwelling- Everybody, BEWARE!!
Why does it matter?
REFLECTIONS
“God loves Zion”
Scripturally, the “City of God” in Psalms 87 refers to Zion or JERUSALEM
It is very important to note that Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead in Jerusalem!!
JERUSALEM!
JERUSALEM!!
GOD’S DEWELLING
The Significance of ZION is that it is the CHOSEN location of the TEMPLE by the Sovereign God.
Psalms 132: 13-14 records that “The Lord has chosen Zion, He has desired it for His dwelling place.
MOUNT ZION
In the new TESTAMENT, Zion points beyond physical city to a spiritual reality: Christ’s eternal kingdom and the Church of believers
The relevance and advantages of ZION to the Believer includes:
THE MEDIATOR
In this Dispensation of Grace, we are no longer on Mount Sinai!
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem… to Jesus, the MEDIATOR OF THE NEW COVENANT!
(Hebrews 12:21-22)
HIS PRESENCE
Another significance of “ZION” to Believers in this dispensation is the Benefits of Access to the presence of God!
Psalms 16:11 confirms that “In your presence is FULLNESS OF JOY”
FAVOURED
The All-Powerful God in His love for Zion guarantees that Zion has a Future and Favour awaits her. (Ps 102:13)
Conclusion
To the Believer, Zion represented by The Church is the Intersection Point of Grace and Joy!
Thank you, Jesus.
Prayer (Ps 20:2)
Father, we pray for HELP from the sanctuary and SUPPORT FROM ZION in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen
REFLECTIONS ON PSALM 88
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 88 stands out as one of the most poignant laments in the Psalms. The psalmist finds himself in profound suffering and despair, feeling as if he has been abandoned by both God and his friends. As he navigates these tumultuous feelings, he continues to pray, laying out his afflictions before God. This chapter challenges us to face the rawest emotions of desolation and loss while reminding us of the importance of unceasing prayer, even in the darkest hours.
MEMORY VERSE
V-1 O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You.
KEY THEMES
1. Honesty with God: The psalmist names God as “the God of my salvation” even while accusing Him of causing the pain.
2. Persevering prayer: Repeated cries “day and night” model endurance.
3. Felt abandonment: The sense of divine silence foreshadows Christ’s cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
4. The reality of deep sorrow in faith: Suffering does not negate belonging to God; both coexist in the psalm.
LIFE APPLICATION
• God hears even when He feels absent. Keep praying.
• Being honest about pain is biblical; suppressing it is not a mark of strong faith.
• Community matters: the psalmist’s isolation warns against abandoning those in prolonged sorrow.
• Hope is implied by the address “LORD” (YHWH) twenty-four times—steadfast covenant name anchoring the darkest night.
Prayers
Dear Father, I pray for those who feel abandoned by You, that they may sense Your presence and comfort. I ask for strength and perseverance for those enduring prolonged trials, that their faith may remain steadfast. I seek Your guidance in being a source of support and encouragement to those in despair. I thank You for Your faithfulness, even when it is not immediately apparent, trusting in Your perfect timing and plan in Jesus name, Amen.
