We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’ I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists! Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.’” For no one on earth—from east or west, or even from the wilderness— should raise a defiant fist. It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall. For the Lord holds a cup in his hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs. But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.”
Psalms 75:1-10 NLT
Making promises to God is more than just “believing” in Him; this is a relationship based on promises—both His and ours. The psalm ends with a clear call to make vows to the Lord and keep them. This psalm is about the victory of God in battle. So often we pray for the Lord to be on our side, but the more important question is if we are on His side. We are called to follow Him, make promises, and keep them. When we fail we can be forgiven. These verses confidently proclaim that our Lord will be victorious over all.
Make no mistake: there is a spiritual battle going on. Humans are not the enemy; they are why the battle is being fought. Our good and loving God is fighting for our hearts, and we make choices every day to get us closer to the Father or closer to darkness. We often judge our eternal Lord based on our temporary feelings, which can change with circumstances, weather, or even music. It is not wrong to feel far from God—it is in the Bible after all! But we have a choice, even when Jesus seems far away, to remain faithful to the One who will never forsake us (Matt 28:20). This is the battle, and our choices matter.
How can God’s character and victory give you confidence today? What battles are going on in your life right now, and how can you chose the way of Jesus?
