Lessons Learned From Unbelief--Psalm 78
In Psalm 78: 1-72 we read a teaching Psalm that is to help us understand the dangers of having a heart of unbelief. The psalmist is giving forth a divine parable to help the next generation understand the truth stated later in the New Testament Book of Hebrews:
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.From Psalm 78 we learn that:
- God is tremendously generous and gracious (Psalm 78: 12-16, Psalm 78:44-55, Psalm 78: 68-72).
- God rescued His people out of the bondage of Egypt
- God lead and provided for His people in the wilderness
- God brought His people into the Promised Land.
- God gave them a righteous king
- God judges those who responds to His blessings with a faithless heart full of rebellion and sin (Psalm 78:8-11, Psalm 78: 17-19, Psalm 78: 21-33, Psalm 78:40, Psalm 78: 56-64)
What we should take away from this psalm is what the psalmist states in verses 6-8:
Psalms 78:6-8 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; 8 and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
God has placed this psalm in His Word to teach us the importance of being faithful to the Lord. In addition, He teaches us through this psalm that He is always faithful--He is always there to rescue you and save you from trouble. How has your response been to His faithfulness? Do you like the people in this psalm have a heart of unbelief that forget the works of God? Is there any sin between you and God today? Does your heart rebel against the goodness of God? Take time today to ask forgiveness (Psalm 78:35, 38; 1 John 1:9). God will forgive you and restore you. Place your faith in Jesus Christ, trust in Him alone, He took the punishment you deserve so you can have eternal life in Him (John 3:16).
Pastor Steve
Psalm 119:89
