In this Psalm, Asaph reflects on the greatness of God, even while living among people who rarely seek Him. People often turn to God when they experience miracles but otherwise remain distant, preoccupied with their own concerns. Despite this, God continues to provide for them and abundantly pours out His grace.
Unfortunately, people often neglect this grace and take it for granted, even using it as an excuse to act against God. It’s like a student who receives grace marks to advance to the next grade but assumes this will always be the case. If they fail to improve, they may eventually be held back. Similarly, although God is patient and generous in extending His grace, many fail to use it for self-improvement. Instead, they sink further, relying on more grace to sustain them.
The Presence of God
We praise you, God,
we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds. – Psalms 75:1 (NIV)
This verse highlights our common approach toward God. While few truly know Him personally, many rely on secondhand knowledge through the testimonies of others. The Psalm encourages the congregation to praise God’s name by hearing about His miraculous deeds. Often, we recognize God’s presence only through His miracles, and in their absence—or when prayers seem unanswered—we assume God is distant or inattentive.
In such moments, we can learn from Job’s example. When Job couldn’t perceive God’s presence, he trusted that God still saw him and knew his path. Many, in similar circumstances, fail to grasp God’s constant watchfulness. Believing God has turned away, they lose heart and follow their own desires.
Instead of straying, Job resolved to follow God’s instructions faithfully until he could sense His presence again (Job 23:10-11). Let us take heart from Job’s steadfastness. When miracles cease, let us hold tightly to God’s Word and continue walking in faith until we encounter Him once more.
No One Can Exalt Themselves
You say, “I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly. ’”
No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves. – Psalms 75:2-6 (NIV)
The Psalmist encouraged the congregation to praise God for His marvelous deeds, while also envisioning God as just and righteous. Unlike most people, who rarely view things from God’s perspective, the Psalmist saw events through the lens of God’s sovereignty. He recognized that God has appointed a specific time to judge the world according to His divine standard. On that day, those who placed their trust in worldly things will be shaken as God sends a quake to demonstrate His power. They will come to understand that it is God who upholds the pillars of the earth.
There is a common tendency for people to boast when they see others boasting or, conversely, to feel frustrated by the arrogance of evildoers. However, the Psalmist, understanding the ultimate fate of the wicked, warned them not to exalt themselves against heaven or to speak recklessly. Unmoved by the boasting and apparent success of the wicked, the Psalmist firmly believed that no one can elevate themselves unless God chooses to exalt them.
God Brings One Down, He Exalts Another.
It is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.
In the hand of the LORD is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs. – Psalms 75:7-8 (NIV)
In the Old Testament, there are instances where God brought down one king and exalted another. This does not imply that God had limited resources, necessitating the removal of one to elevate another, as He is capable of raising many kings simultaneously with abundant provision. Rather, God deposed a king for failing to follow His commands and raised another who was aligned with His heart and will.
When we begin to view things from God’s perspective, He reveals prophetic messages to His people. In this instance, the Psalmist perceived a vision similar to what John saw after Jesus’ resurrection (Revelation 14:10). Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah prophesied about the cup of God’s wrath (Jeremiah 25:15). God continually seeks to communicate His prophetic message to His people, which is why Jesus taught us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Be A Messenger of God
As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,
who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.” – Psalms 75:9-10 (NIV)
The Psalmist declared his commitment to proclaim God’s message forever. When people witness the prosperity of the wicked or face illness and poverty, they may unknowingly become tools of the devil, discouraging others from following God. Even some great servants of God boast, implying that their spiritual stature is unattainable. Believers sometimes convey a distorted message by equating their struggles with worldly suffering, failing to recognize the ultimate destiny of the wicked. This confusion over the temporary success of the unrighteous can lead to betrayal and disillusionment among others.
Thankfully, the Psalmist understood the fate of the wicked because he rose to God’s standards and dedicated himself to being His messenger, sharing the Good News with all. Through Jesus, the Good News is available to us, but we must ask ourselves: What are we proclaiming to others?
May God grant us the grace to see things from His perspective and use us as instruments to bring people into His fold.
The Jordan Valley 
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