What does "Awake, O Lord!" reveal about the psalmist's relationship with God? Setting the Scene Psalm 7:6: “Rise up, O LORD, in Your anger; lift Yourself against the rage of my adversaries; awake, my God, and ordain judgment.” Other echoes: • Psalm 35:23 – “Awake and rise to my defense, to my cause, my God and my Lord!” • Psalm 44:23 – “Wake up, O Lord! Why do You sleep? Arise! Do not reject us forever.” • Psalm 59:4 – “Awake to help me, and see!” What the Cry “Awake” Does Not Mean • It does not imply that God actually sleeps (Psalm 121:4). • It does not suggest doubt about God’s sovereignty or power (Isaiah 40:28). • It is not irreverent grumbling; the psalmist remains under God’s authority. What the Cry “Awake” Does Mean • A plea for immediate intervention—“act now, Lord!” • A covenant appeal: “Remember Your promises to defend Your people.” • A faith-filled acknowledgement that God alone can judge rightly. • An honest admission of the psalmist’s present distress and urgency. Insights into the Psalmist’s Relationship with God • Intimacy: He addresses God directly, confident he is heard. • Boldness: He speaks candidly, holding nothing back (Hebrews 4:16). • Trust: He believes God will respond in righteousness (Psalm 7:11). • Dependence: He has no backup plan—God is his sole defender (Psalm 62:5-6). • Reverence within familiarity: Even while urging God to “awake,” he calls Him “LORD” (YHWH) and “my God,” affirming covenant lordship. • Alignment with God’s justice: He asks not for personal revenge but for divine judgment that upholds righteousness (Psalm 7:8-9). • Transparency of emotion: Scripture records raw feelings, legitimizing earnest lament as part of a genuine walk with God (Psalm 42:9). Living It Out Today • Bring every fear or injustice to God without masking emotion. • Anchor petitions in Scripture’s promises, as the psalmist does. • Expect God’s righteous action, even when His timing stretches faith (2 Peter 3:9). • Maintain reverence: bold requests grow out of submission, not presumption. • Let urgent prayers deepen reliance on the Lord rather than erode trust; His seeming silence is never abandonment (Deuteronomy 31:6). |
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