God is Good

 Psalm 75:1-5

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.

2 

“When I choose the proper time,

I will judge uprightly.

3 

The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved;

I set up its pillars firmly. Selah

4 

“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’

And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn.

5 

Do not lift up your horn on high;

Do not speak with a stiff neck.’ ”

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. If you don't have one, do your best to find, and get, a reference edition study Bible. Personally, I like the New King James version (NKJV). Most all of you know that, so I don't post what version I use anymore, because it's always that one. If I deviate from it, I will mention it then. The reason I mention that is, there's often explanation given to different chapters in the Bible. And, of course, reference verses to the verses you may be reading. Also, introductions to the books of the Bible. The explanation of this particular chapter, Psalm 75, is this:

"Thanksgiving for God’s Righteous Judgment

To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A Song."

So anyway, that reference edition study Bible gives you extras that some Bibles don't include. So now, having said all that, let's get into the study itself.

Verse one is a collective prayer mixed in with some praise for the Lord. And in the next four verses, God Himself is speaking. You know, when I read this, you know what I hear in the back of my mind? People who are ignorant of who God is, saying, out loud, for all to hear, "Only God can judge me!" And they are right. He will. But I don't think they know what that means. Because God says, "When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly." What does that mean? It literally means God will judge according to His word! Not according to your word, not, according to what you believe, but according to His word. Thankfully, through Jesus, folks can avoid the just judgment of God, by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord. But if they do not do that, they will in fact, receive the righteous judgment of the living God. 

All of the rules, and the laws, are set in motion. In the natural, and in the spiritual realm. They cannot, and will not be changed. By anyone. Then God speaks a warning. Do not be boastful. Do not be a braggart. I literally cringe when I hear someone say, "I am a self-made man" or a "self-made woman." The Bible says in 

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

If it's good, it is a gift from the Lord. If you have the mental capacity to understand things, and retain knowledge in order to get all sorts of degrees in education. That's a gift from God. If you're able to work out problems and issues, so that you demand a high pay grade. That is a gift from God. If you start pounding your chest and taking credit for what God has done, be forewarned now, that is not a good thing. And it will not end well for you. 

Then God goes on to say, "Do not speak with a stiff neck." What does that mean? In conjunction with, don't be proud, it means, don't be proud and stubborn. When you hear the truth, receive it as such. What I'm speaking to you here is truth. Not my truth. Not your truth. (That whole concept of my truth and your truth is just relativism. There is no such thing. There is the truth, and that's that. Whether you like it or not, whether you believe it or not. The truth is the truth.) But God's truth. Straight out of God's own mouth. So don't be proud and don't speak with a stiff neck. Be humble. As we read in 

James 4:10 (in context 4:7-10)

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

I do recommend your reading it in its context. The whole thing here is, fully surrender to the Lord already! And you will see great and mighty things. Both in your life and in the lives of your loved ones. Things change when you surrender to the Lord. I guarantee it. Have a great day, and God bless. James