June 4, 2025 - Psalm 76-80

An absolutely stunning description!  “But they (Israel) flattered him (God) with their mouths; they lied to him with their tongues.  Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant.  Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.  He remembered that they were but flesh” (Psalm 78:36-39).  They flattered.  They lied.  Their heart was turned away.  They were unfaithful.  But he was compassionate.  He atoned for their iniquity.  He refused to destroy them.  He restrained his anger.  How gracious and compassionate is our God both to Israel and to us!

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,

leave the gloomy haunts of sadness;

come into the daylight’s splendour,

there with joy thy praises render

unto him whose grace unbounded

hath this wondrous banquet founded:

high o’er all the heavens he reigneth,

yet to dwell with thee he deigneth.   -- Johann Franck (1649)