April 1
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PSALM 76 WHO CAN STAND BEFORE YOU ONCE YOU’RE ANGRY?
In Judah God is known; his name is great in Israel. 2 His abode has been established in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion.3 There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah 4 Glorious are you, more majestic than the mountains full of prey.5 The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil; they sank into sleep; all the men of war were unable to use their hands.6 At your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both rider and horse lay stunned. 7 But you, you are to be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? 8 From the heavens you uttered judgment;
the earth feared and was still, 9 when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Selah 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt. 11 Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them; let all around him bring gifts to him who is to be feared, 12 who cuts off the spirit of princes, who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. – Psalm 76:1-12
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TREMBLE BEFORE THE LORD! by ILMA
When you know the Lord God, who is your Creator, you will fear him
He has delivered his people and established his dwelling place in Zion
Tremble before the Lord; He is majestic, glorious and full of power
When he confronts sin, no one can avoid his rebuke and anger
The moment he brings judgment, the whole humanity will cringe
Make your promises alone to the Lord and follow through with it.
Know your Lord and Master so you can bring him full glory
Without such longing to be close to him, you will become worldly
Those who are haughty and boastful will be stripped off their pride
They will become fools, unable to be free and continue to be blind
Bring your fear before the Lord and bow down alone to him
No one can avoid his wrath when one intentionally and habitually sins.
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REFLECTION
• How can a believer develop the habit of trembling before the Lord?
• Why did the psalmist mention that knowledge of God and his wondrous deeds are essential for believers to cultivate the fear of the Lord?
• What happens when we take for granted God’s sovereignty?