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Day 183

Psalm 80:4b "How long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?"

Day 183 – Psalm 80

“How long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?” Psalm 80:4b

THE ANGER OF GOD

Every servant of God feared the anger of God. Anyone who knows God would stand in awe and reverence at the anger of God.

1. Moses was afraid of the anger of God (Psalm 90:7).

2. David was mindful of the anger of God (Psalm 7:6a).

3. Isaiah noted God’s anger with Israel (Isaiah 47:6a).

4. Zechariah also noted the anger of God (Zechariah 1:15).

CONSCIOUSNESS OF GOD’S ANGER

Asaph knew that he must tread carefully even as he prayed for the restoration of God’s favour for Israel. He brought up the anger of the Lord in the context of his prayer.

“O LORD God of hosts,
How long will You be angry
Against the prayer of Your people?”
Psalm 80:4

1. Two concurrent things in his consciousness

a) God as Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 80:1a).
b) God as “The LORD God of hosts” (Psalm 80:4a).

2. A delicate balance

a) God is not just a kind and compassionate Shepherd.
b) He is also a great and powerful Lord who commands a host of mighty angels.
c) This delicate balance must be borne in mind when intercession is made.

3. The anger of the LORD God of hosts

a) Asaph knew that God was angry with Israel.
b) Inasmuch as he knew of God’s anger he acknowledged also that He was righteous in His anger.
c) There is tacit acceptance that Israel had sinned grievously against God and thus deserved nothing more than anger.
d) Asaph pleaded to understand the extent of God’s anger.

How long would God remain angry with Israel?