How to Be Victorious and Triumphant Throughout Life

 How to Be Victorious and Triumphant Throughout Life

 

Psalm 68 NKJV

The Glory of God in His Goodness to Israel

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. A Song. 

¹     Let ^aGod arise,

Let His enemies be scattered;

Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.

^{2     b}As smoke is driven away,

So drive them away;

^cAs wax melts before the fire,

So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

³     But ^dlet the righteous be glad;

Let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

⁴     Sing to God, sing praises to His name;

^eExtol ¹Him who rides on the ²clouds,

^fBy His name ³Yah,

And rejoice before Him.

^{5     g}A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,

Is God in His holy habitation.

^{6     h}God sets the solitary in families;

ⁱHe brings out those who are bound into prosperity;

But ^jthe rebellious dwell in a dry land.^[1] 

Psalm 68 NLT

For the choir director: A song. A psalm of David. 

        1     Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies.

Let those who hate God run for their lives.

        2     Blow them away like smoke.

Melt them like wax in a fire.

Let the wicked perish in the presence of God.

        3     But let the godly rejoice.

Let them be glad in God’s presence.

Let them be filled with joy.

        4     Sing praises to God and to his name!

Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.^*

His name is the Lord—

rejoice in his presence!

        5     Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—

this is God, whose dwelling is holy.

        6     God places the lonely in families;

he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.

But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. ^[2] 

Psalm 68 
How to Be Victorious and Triumphant Throughout Life, 68^[3]

Introduction: in his introduction to this sixty-eighth psalm, commentator James Montgomery Boice relates how it has been utilized throughout history by political and military leaders who believed they were fighting for righteousness.¹ As the centuries have rolled by, the first verse has been a battle cry for many commanders as they led their troops into conflict: “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered!”

We, too, can make this bold declaration as we march into the conflicts of our daily lives. As believers, we are soldiers in a battle. However, we do not fight against human opponents; rather, our fight is against spiritual foes, that is, Satan and his demonic army (Ep. 6:10–12; 2 Co. 10:3–4). God’s enemies are our enemies. They not only oppose God’s will and work in the world but also attack us, His redeemed people. Satan and his evil forces possess great power in this world, and they constantly strive to defeat us through temptation, difficult circumstances, and other people who do their bidding.

Not all temptation comes from Satan. Much of the temptation we face comes from within ourselves (Js. 1:14). We are involved in a never-ending internal battle: the war against our corrupt human nature, referred to in the Bible as the flesh (Ga: 5:19–20; 1 Co. 6:9–10). Scripture lists some of the sins produced by our flesh …

Ø  Sexual Immorality

Ø  Moral Impurity

Ø  Lust

Ø  Hatred

Ø  Strife

Ø  Jealousy

Ø  Anger

Ø  Selfishness

Ø  Divisiveness

Ø  Stealing

Ø  Greed

Ø  Drunkenness

Ø  Substance Abuse

Ø  Verbal Abuse

Ø  Dishonesty

Ø  Pride

Add to these sins the numerous human weaknesses we deal with, such as discouragement, disappointment, unkindness, impatience, laziness, and lack of discipline, to name a few. On top of that, life in general is difficult.

The point is clear: we constantly wrestle against enemies seeking to defeat us—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Some of these hold the potential to destroy us and others as well. But all of them can keep us from being everything God wants us to be and accomplishing all that He wants us to do. They can bar us from the abundant life Christ came to give us (Jn. 10:10). They can rob us of our joy, peace, confidence, effectiveness, and eternal rewards.

Nevertheless, God’s Word tells us that we can triumph over these enemies. We do not have to live in defeat. God’s power is greater than all our sins and circumstances. Through His Spirit and His Word, we can be victorious (Ps. 44:5; Ro. 8:37; 2 Co. 2:14; 2 Co. 10:4; 1 Jn. 4:4; 1 Jn. 5:4).  

Psalm 68 is one of many passages of Scripture that teach us how to be victorious and triumphant in life. The heading to the psalm identifies David as its author, but the occasion for its writing is not stated. Among the many views about its origin, the most accepted is that David wrote it for the moving of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (2 S. 6). This came on the heels of another great victory: the taking of Jerusalem for Israel’s capital (2 K. 5:6–7). Yet even as David celebrated these glorious triumphs, he knew that more battles lay ahead of him and the nation. He recalled and praised God for His help in the past, and He prayed for God’s continued power for the future.

The transporting of the ark was an illustration of Israel’s, and our, great need for God. The ark represented God’s presence among His people. It was carried in front of the procession to Jerusalem, and the people followed behind. This order symbolizes our need for God to march ahead of us as we proceed through life.

As David emphasized in this psalm, God had marched ahead of Israel throughout her challenging but glorious history. From Mount Sinai to the wilderness to the promised land to Jerusalem, God had led them all the way. Commentator John Phillips described Psalm 68 as “a tremendous orchestration of history and prophecy.”² As David led the people to ponder the past, he also pointed them to the future: the entire world will one day worship God at Zion. Israel and the world’s greatest victory is yet to come.

Just as God will lead Israel to His ultimate purpose for her, we may rejoice in the confidence that God will march ahead of us as we persevere through the conflicts of life. God will rise up in our behalf and scatter our enemies. His will for us and His work in us will be performed (Ph. 1:6). As we follow Him, we will prevail over the challenges of life.  

This is, How to Be Victorious and Triumphant Throughout Life.

Pray for God’s coming (vs. 1–6). 

As the procession to transport the ark to Jerusalem began, David prayed for God to come and to march ahead of the faithful Jews who followed the ark to Zion. The ark symbolized God’s presence among His people, and the call for God to arise was a call for Him to lead His people to victory over their foes.

a.   That He will rise up and overthrow all who oppose Him (vv. 1–2).

David prayed for God to rise up like a mighty, fearless warrior and overthrow all who opposed Him (v. 1). His bold cry echoed Moses’ prayer when the ark of the covenant moved ahead of the Hebrews in the wilderness (Nu. 10:35). David prayed that God’s victory over His foes would be swift and complete, like …

•     smoke blown away by the wind (v. 2^a)

•     wax melted in the fire (v. 2^b)

b.   That He will make the righteous victorious (v. 3).

The righteous are inseparably linked with God. Through their trust in God and their compassionate behavior, they represent God on earth. They seek to do God’s work, and He works through them. Their enemies are actually God’s enemies, for they are His chosen people. God fights in their behalf; therefore, a victory for God is a victory for the righteous. Thus, David prayed that God would make the righteous victorious, bringing joy and happiness to their hearts and giving them cause to rejoice.

c.   That everyone will praise His name (vv. 4–6).

As the people followed the ark to Jerusalem, David instructed them to praise God’s name (v. 4^a). Israel’s triumphant king offered four reasons for the people to exalt God:

First, God is the mighty warrior who rides on the heavens or clouds (v. 4^b). This “poetic description of God’s exalted majesty”³ is significant because the pagans gave this exact title to Baal. David’s statement is a direct contradiction of their claim. As God led Israel to victory over her idolatrous foes, He would prove that He—not Baal—is superior to all things.

Second, God’s name is the Lord (v. 4^c). JAH is a shortened form of Jehovah or Yahweh, God’s sacred name by which He identified Himself to His people. Usually translated as the Lord, it is the name by which God makes and keeps His covenant. David instructed the people to praise God by this name because JAH—not Baal—is the one true God, and He will make His people victorious out of faithfulness to His covenant with them.

Third, God watches over His people, especially those who cannot help themselves (v. 5–6^a). He is the father of the fatherless, and the judge (dayyan)—advocate, defender, protector—of widows (Ps. 10:14; Je. 49:11). He cares for the solitary or lonely, placing people in their lives who will love and look after them. Some scholars understand this statement to be referring to the homeless, noting that families (bayith) is usually translated as house. Commentator Albert Barnes stated, “He is the friend of the cast out—the wandering—the homeless; He provides for them a home.”⁴ He also cares for the prisoners, those unjustly bound or oppressed, leading them out of bondage and into joy (v. 6^b).

Fourth, God executes justice on all who rebel against Him (v. 6^c). In contrast to the Jews, who dwelled in a land flowing with milk and honey, the rebellious live in a dry land—a parched, sun-scorched, barren land. This image is of a land void of God’s blessing, and it symbolizes His judgment on those who defy Him. It teaches an important lesson: not only do those who rebel against God face eternity separated from Him, but they also forfeit the bountiful blessings of God in this life. 

Thought 1. Every day, as we march into battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil, we need to ask God to go before us. We can expect to encounter temptations, challenges, and even dangers. But if we follow Him closely, God will lead us through them.

God is greater than any challenges we may face. He is bigger than our problems, needs, weaknesses, and circumstances. We need not fear anything that lies before us, even death, for He is with us (Ps. 23:4; Is. 43:2). He promises to guide us each step of the way (Ps. 32:8). He has fully equipped us for battle, but we must clothe ourselves in His armor and arm ourselves with His Word. We must also devote much time to prayer. Through God’s presence and power, we can be strong, and we can stand fast against our enemies. If we follow the Lord and walk in the power of His might, He will make us victorious (Ep. 6:10–18).

Ø  “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Ro. 8:37).

Ø  “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place” (2 Co. 2:14).

Ø  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ep. 6:10–18).

Ø  “He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man” (Ps. 18:48).

Ø  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). 

Thought 2. David’s prayer in these verses will ultimately be fulfilled when Jesus Christ returns. He will return to earth as a mighty warrior, completely destroying His enemies—all the evil and rebellious oppressors on the face of the earth. The image of God riding on the heavens points to Jesus’ coming back to earth in the clouds (v. 4; Re. 1:7; 19:11). We need to pray for Christ to come and for God’s will for this earth to be accomplished.

Ø  “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10).

Ø  “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pe. 1:13).

Ø  “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Re. 22:20).^[4]

 

Prayer 

God, You care for those who might struggle to feel like they belong. Thank you for welcoming everyone into Your Kingdom and family. Please make us aware of the people who need extra love and care. Show us how to offer the same hospitality that You give to others. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

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^a Num. 10:35

^b [Is. 9:18]; Hos. 13:3

^c Ps. 97:5; Mic. 1:4

^d Ps. 32:11

^e Deut. 33:26

¹ Praise

² MT deserts; Tg. heavens (cf. v. 34 and Is. 19:1)

^f [Ex. 6:3]

³ Lit. Lord, a shortened Heb. form

^g [Ps. 10:14, 18; 146:9]

^h Ps. 107:4–7

ⁱ Acts 12:6–11

^j Ps. 107:34

^[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^* 68:4 Or rides through the deserts.

^[2] Tyndale House Publishers. 2015. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

^[3] Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 2015. Psalms: Chapters 42–106. Vol. II. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.

¹ James Montgomery Boice. Boice. An Expositional Commentary-Psalms, Volume 2: Psalms 42–106. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

² John Phillips. Exploring Psalms, Volume 1. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

³ John F. Wallvood, ed. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

⁴ Albert Barnes. Barnes Notes on the Old Testament. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

^[4] Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 2015. Psalms: Chapters 42–106. Vol. II. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 

All Pics from YouVersion Bible App

Psalms 68:5 NKJV; A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation. (bible.com)

Commitment, Do We Trust in God or Ourselves?

Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3^[1]

There are different ways to fail to commit whatever we do to the Lord. Some people commit their work only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord, but in reality, they are doing it for themselves. Others give God temporary control of their interests, only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect. Still, others commit a task fully to the Lord but put forth no effort themselves, and then they wonder why they do not succeed. We must maintain a delicate balance: trusting God as if everything depended on him while working as if everything depended on us. 

Think of a specific effort in which you are involved right now. Have you committed it to the Lord?^[2]

Ø  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁽⁶⁾ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. ⁽⁷⁾ Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. ⁽⁸⁾ It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 (NKJV)

Ø  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)

Ø  There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)

Ø  Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

Ø  He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20 (NKJV)

Ø  A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. Proverbs 18:2 (NKJV)

Ø  The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. Proverbs 18:4 (NKJV)

Ø  The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

Ø  The foolishness of a man twists his way, and his heart frets against the LORD. Proverbs 19:3 (NKJV)

Ø  A man's steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24 (NKJV)

Ø  A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the trusted stronghold. Proverbs 21:22 (NKJV)

Ø  Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12 (NKJV)

Ø  He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26 (NKJV)

Ø  The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)

 

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pe. 5:7).^[3]

Cast yourself and all you do upon the Lord: Depend totally on Him and your plans will succeed.

Total commitment to the Lord is necessary for success in God’s eyes. To commit means to roll and is used of rolling a stone (Ge. 29:3; Jos. 10:18; 1 Sa. 14:33). Notice that this is the only instruction, the only command, in this set of proverbs. God wants to work His gracious, sovereign purpose in our lives. Therefore, we need to trust God and roll everything we do upon Him. As difficult as it may be, we need to give up control of our lives and completely turn them over to the Lord. When we give ourselves fully to God, our thoughts—our plans and purposes—will be established. Too many of us strive to control every detail of our lives, and we panic when something is outside our control. Thus, God exhorts us to yield control of our lives to Him and let Him work out His plan through us. 

Commitment (Faithfulness, Promise, Vow)

What does the Bible teach us about commitments?

bible reading: Matthew 8:18–27

key bible verse: But Jesus told him, “Follow me now! Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead.” (Matthew 8:22)

Our commitment to Christ must be complete. It is possible that this disciple was not asking permission to go to his father’s funeral, but rather to put off following Jesus until his elderly father died. Perhaps he was the firstborn son and wanted to be sure to claim his inheritance. Perhaps he didn’t want to face his father’s wrath if he left the family business to follow an itinerant preacher. Whether his concern was financial security, family approval, or something else, he did not want to commit himself to Jesus just yet. Jesus, however, would not accept his excuse.

Jesus was always direct with those who wanted to follow him. He made sure they counted the cost and set aside any conditions they might have for following him. As God’s Son, Jesus did not hesitate to demand complete loyalty. Even family loyalty was not to take priority over the demands of obedience. His direct challenge forces us to ask ourselves about our own priorities in following him. The decision to follow Jesus should not be put off, even though other loyalties compete for our attention. Nothing should be placed above a total commitment to living for him. 

bible reading: Joshua 24:14–27

key bible verse: If you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

Our commitment to God must be consistent. The people had to decide whether they would obey the Lord, who had proven his trustworthiness, or obey the local gods, which were only man-made idols. It’s easy to slip into a quiet rebellion—going about life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you. In taking a definite stand for the Lord, Joshua again displayed his spiritual leadership. Regardless of what others decided, Joshua had made a commitment to God, and he was willing to set the example of living by that decision. The way we live shows others the strength of our commitment to serving God.

bible reading: Romans 5:1–11

key bible verse: God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)

Christ committed himself to us first. While we were still sinners—these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you, remember that he loved you even before you turned to him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, he can surely strengthen you now that you love him in return. 

bible reading: Luke 16:16–18

key bible verse: Anyone who divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Luke 16:18)

Life commitments should be lifelong. Most religious leaders of Jesus’ day permitted a man to divorce his wife for nearly any reason. Jesus’ teaching about divorce went beyond Moses’ (Deuteronomy 24:1–4). Stricter than any of the then-current schools of thought, Jesus’ teachings shocked his hearers (see Matthew 19:10) just as they shake today’s readers. Jesus says in no uncertain terms that marriage is a lifetime commitment. To leave your spouse for another person may be legal, but it is adultery in God’s eyes. As you think about marriage, remember that God intends it to be a permanent commitment.

bible reading: Psalm 37:1–39

key bible verse: Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:5)

Commitment is the beginning of trusting God. David calls us to take delight in the Lord and to commit everything we have and do to him. But how do we do this? To be delighted in someone means to experience great pleasure and joy in his or her presence. This happens only when we know that person well. Thus, to delight in the Lord, we must know him better. Knowledge of God’s great love for us will indeed give us delight.

To commit everything to the Lord means entrusting our life, family, job, and possessions to his control and guidance. To commit ourselves to the Lord means to trust in him (37:5), believing that he can care for us better than we can ourselves. We should be willing to wait patiently (37:7) for him to work out what is best for us. 

PRAYER

God, I want my life to be lived for Your Glory. In moments where it is difficult for me to surrender my plans to You, please help me focus on Your vision for the future. In Jesus' name, Amen.    

Related Topics: Covenant, Faithfulness, Promise(s)^[4]

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^[1] The New King James Version. 1982. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] Life Application Bible Notes. 2007. Tyndale.

^[3] Leadership Ministries Worldwide. 2012. Proverbs. The Preacher’s Outline & Sermon Bible. Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.

^[4] Wilson, Neil S. 2000. In The Handbook of Bible Application, 96–97. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 

Pics From YouVersion Bible App

Proverbs 16:3 NKJV; Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. (bible.com)