Psalm 79

“O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple” (1). Although Jerusalem was meant to be the sacred, peaceful heart of God’s people, this psalm acknowledges that the same chaos and violence which infected the world also invaded the holy city. Jerusalem was “reduced to rubble” by her enemies, and survivors wondered “how long” the dark times would last (5). Like everyone devastated by war, they cried: “May your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need” (8).

“Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name” (9). Though sin has defiled God’s beautiful world, he has not abandoned us. Jesus is God’s answer to our desperate need.