With God We Shall Do Valiantly Psalm 108
What are the words of Psalm 108?
Psalm 108 is a biblical passage found in the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is a song of praise and a plea for God’s help and victory in times of trouble.
- O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
- Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.
- I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
- For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds.
- Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth;
- That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.
- God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem And measure out the Valley of Succoth.
- Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the helmet for My head; Judah is My lawgiver.
- Moab is My washpot; Over Edom I will cast My shoe; Over Philistia I will triumph.”
- Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me to Edom?
- Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?
- Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.
- Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
In this psalm, the psalmist expresses his unwavering trust in God’s strength and guidance. The psalm acknowledges God’s greatness, mercy, and truth, and it calls upon Him for help and deliverance. The final verse emphasizes that it is through God’s power that we can achieve victory and overcome our enemies. It is a reminder of the faith and confidence we need to have in God’s ability to lead us to triumph.
Psalm 108 is a beautiful example of a psalm that reflects deep trust in God and his belief in God’s ability to grant victory and deliverance in times of difficulty. Let’s take a closer look at some key themes and expressions found in this psalm:
- Steadfastness of Heart: The psalm begins with the declaration of a steadfast heart. This indicates the psalmist’s unwavering devotion to God, regardless of the circumstances he might be facing. A steadfast heart is one that remains firm in its faith and commitment to God, even in the face of challenges and hardships.
- Praise and Worship: The psalmist expresses his desire to praise and glorify God. He calls for musical instruments like the lute and harp to join in the praise, symbolizing a joyous and celebratory attitude towards worshiping God. This shows the psalmist’s recognition of God’s greatness and his willingness to exalt Him among the nations.
- Trust in God’s Attributes: Throughout the psalm, the psalmist acknowledges some of God’s divine attributes, such as His mercy and truth. By recognizing God’s greatness and magnificence, the psalmist acknowledges that God is above all things, including any troubles or challenges the psalmist may be facing.
- God’s Role in Deliverance: The psalmist acknowledges God’s role as the deliverer. He recalls God’s promises to the nation, citing specific regions and tribes (e.g., Shechem, Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Judah). These references to various regions symbolize God’s authority over all the land and people.
- The Power of God: The psalmist recognizes that it is not by human strength or might that victory is achieved, but it is through God’s power that they will do valiantly. This acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty overcomes any reliance on human abilities and emphasizes complete dependence on God.
- Confidence in God’s Intervention: The psalmist recalls times when God seemed distant, but he remains confident that God will come to their aid. The psalmist understands that human help alone is inadequate, but with God’s assistance, they will overcome their adversaries.
- Seeking God’s Help: The psalmist humbly seeks God’s help from trouble. This reflects a sense of dependence on God’s intervention and recognition of human limitations. Rather than relying on human strength or wisdom alone, the psalmist turns to God, knowing that divine assistance is essential for overcoming difficulties.
- God’s Holiness: The psalm acknowledges God’s holiness when it mentions, “God has spoken in His holiness.” This phrase emphasizes God’s absolute purity, righteousness, and uniqueness. It highlights the psalmist’s reverence for God and the acknowledgment that God’s actions are just and perfect.
- Conquering Enemies: The psalmist mentions specific territories and nations, including Moab, Edom, and Philistia, symbolizing adversaries, or enemies. The psalmist expresses confidence that God will grant them victory over their enemies, comparing their enemies to insignificant things like a washpot or a shoe. This imagery emphasizes the assurance that God’s power can easily overcome any opposition.
- Faith Amidst Past Abandonment: The psalmist raises the question of whether God had previously rejected them or not accompanied their armies. This might refer to past instances when it seemed like God had not provided direct assistance. However, the psalmist remains steadfast in his faith, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and that the current situation can be different with God’s help.
- God’s Treading Down of Enemies: The psalm ends with a powerful statement: “For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.” This final verse reaffirms the central theme of the psalm—that ultimate victory belongs to God. The imagery of God “treading down” the enemies portrays divine triumph and the complete subjugation of opposition under God’s feet.
- Encouragement for Believers: Psalm 108 serves as a source of encouragement for believers facing challenges, distress, or opposition. It reminds them of God’s faithfulness, power, and ability to bring deliverance. The psalm encourages believers to maintain a steadfast heart, place their trust in God, and rely on His strength when facing trials and tribulations.
Supported scriptures:
- Psalm 18:29 (NIV) – “With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God, I can scale a wall.”
- Philippians 4:13 (NIV) – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
- Psalm 27:1 (NIV) – “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
- Joshua 1:9 (NIV) – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Psalm 56:3 (NIV) – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
- Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In summary, Psalm 108 is a heartfelt song of praise, trust, and confidence in God’s ability to grant victory and deliverance. It highlights the psalmist’s unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty, holiness, and mercy. The psalm encourages believers to seek God’s help in times of trouble and to rely on His strength rather than human abilities. It offers comfort to those who may have experienced feelings of abandonment in the past, reassuring them that God’s providence is steadfast and trustworthy. Psalm 108 celebrates God’s triumph over enemies and serves as a timeless reminder that with God, we can face life’s challenges with courage and assurance.
HOLY SATURDAY THE MORTAL SHALL PUT ON IMMORTALITY
Prayers:
1. Father, my heart is fixed and ready to sing Your praise
2. Lord, my entirety will sing praises for Your mercies endured forever
3. Father, let Your mercy encompass me and let me testify amongst the nations
4. Father, honor Thy words in my life
5. Father, for Your name’s sake, Save me
6. Lord, give me reasons to rejoice
7. Father, send me help in my troubles