Introduction
Psalm 68:19–35: Today’s reading concludes the psalm and describes a joyful procession into God’s sanctuary—the Temple in Jerusalem. Verses 21–23 include a description of enemies being defeated by God, and the psalm concludes with songs in praise of God’s power.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 68:35
How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—the God of Israel! He gives strength and power to his people. Praise God!
Read
19 Praise the Lord,
who carries our burdens day after day;
he is the God who saves us.
20 Our God is a God who saves;
he is the Lord, our Lord,
who rescues us from death.
21 God will surely break the heads of his enemies,
of those who persist in their sinful ways.
22 The Lord has said, “I will bring your enemies back from Bashan;
I will bring them back from the depths of the ocean,
23 so that you may wade in their blood,
and your dogs may lap up as much as they want.”
24 O God, your march of triumph is seen by all,
the procession of God, my king, into his sanctuary.
25 The singers are in front, the musicians are behind,
in between are the young women beating the tambourines.
26 “Praise God in the meeting of his people;
praise the Lord, all you descendants of Jacob!”
27 First comes Benjamin, the smallest tribe,
then the leaders of Judah with their group,
followed by the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali.
28 Show your power, O God,
the power you have used on our behalf
29 from your Temple in Jerusalem,
where kings bring gifts to you.
30 Rebuke Egypt, that wild animal in the reeds;
rebuke the nations, that herd of bulls with their calves,
until they all bow down and offer you their silver.
Scatter those people who love to make war![a]
31 Ambassadors[b] will come from Egypt;
the Ethiopians[c] will raise their hands in prayer to God.
32 Sing to God, kingdoms of the world,
sing praise to the Lord,
33 to him who rides in the sky,
the ancient sky.
Listen to him shout with a mighty roar.
34 Proclaim God’s power;
his majesty is over Israel,
his might is in the skies.
35 How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—
the God of Israel!
He gives strength and power to his people.
Reflect
Verse 19 affirms that God “carries our burdens day after day.” Are there burdens weighing heavily on your heart today? If so, what will be your prayer? How do you envision the procession that is described in verses 24–27? What verses in today’s reading speak of God’s power? When have you sensed God’s power at work in your life?
Pray
Lord God, when I feel weighed down by life’s burdens, I know I can turn to you. You hear my prayers, and you surround me with your comforting presence and the promise of justice and deliverance. Thank you for your steadfast love and care. You are indeed awesome, and you renew and strengthen me. I will proclaim your mighty power every day. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 78:1–39: A retelling of what God has done in the past for Israel.
