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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 5 of 5
Psalms 137:1-9; ; Psalms 138:1-8
Here begins the final series of Psalms, mostly written by David. They take up once again the story of the final restoration of Israel from their time of slavery amongst the nations, through their tribulation, right up to their deliverance and the time of universal praise!
The beginning of Psalms 137:1-9 recalls the captivity in Babylon. Since they had been taken away captive, how could these poor people be able to sing when asked to do so and rejoice under the yoke of their oppressor? There was no joy for them so far away from Jerusalem. Those who had taken everything away from them could not take away their memories. Similarly with us, believing friends, who are strangers in a hostile world, we find nothing here for our hearts, yet we possess in Christ a joy which no one can take away from us (John 16:22). Let us never forget the heavenly city (v. 5)!
In Psalms 138:1-8 the faithful man, despite his "lowly" state (v. 6), can sing with all his heart and prays towards Jerusalem (cf. v. 2; 1 Kings 8:47 . . .). "Thou answeredst me", he could say later, even though there had still been no change in his circumstances. God had strengthened his soul (v. 3). And it is that strength which matters for the believer (Ephesians 3:16).
God will perfect that which concerns us (v. 8), not by destroying the wicked (end of Psalms 137:1-9), but by the return of the Lord.
