Psalm 68 - The Contemplative Bible Meditation Series
Psalm 68 is a song of victory and strength, a beautiful reminder of God's power, presence, and ultimate protection over us. This ancient Psalm, attributed to King David, speaks to the soul with bold yet gentle assurance, reminding us that even amidst life's challenges, there is a steadfast source of comfort and peace within our reach. As we explore each verse, may we find rest in these words, drawing closer to an understanding of our own journey toward faith, surrender, and divine connection. Let these reflections deepen our awareness and trust in a higher power, empowering us to walk with strength and grace each day.
Transcript
Psalm 68 is a song of victory and strength,
A beautiful reminder of God's power,
Presence and ultimate protection over us.
This ancient psalm attributed to King David speaks to the soul with bold yet gentle assurance,
Reminding us that even amidst life's challenges,
There is a steadfast source of comfort and peace within our reach.
As we explore each verse,
May we find rest in these words,
Drawing closer to an understanding of our own journey towards faith,
Surrender and divine connection.
May these reflections deepen our awareness and trust in a higher power,
Empowering us to walk with strength and grace every day.
Psalm 68 Let God arise,
Let His enemies be scattered,
Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.
As smoke is driven away,
So drive them away.
As wax melts before the fire,
So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad,
Let them rejoice before God,
Yes,
Let them rejoice exceedingly.
Sing to God,
Sing praises to His name,
Extol Him who rides on the clouds.
By His name,
Yeah,
And rejoice before Him.
A father of the fatherless,
A defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
God sets the solitary in families,
He brings out those who are bound into prosperity.
But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
O God,
When you went out before your people,
When you marched through the wilderness,
Selah,
The earth shook,
The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God,
Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God,
The God of Israel.
You O God sent a plentiful rain,
Whereby you confirmed your inheritance when it was worthy.
A great congregation dwelt in it,
You O God provided from your goodness for the poor.
The Lord gave the word,
Great was the company of those who proclaimed it.
Kings of armies flee,
They flee,
And she who remains at home divides the spoil.
Though you lie down among the sheepfolds,
You will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver and her feathers with yellow gold.
When the Almighty scattered kings in it,
It was white as snow in Salmon.
A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan.
A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.
Why do you fume with envy,
You mountains of many peaks?
This is the mountain which God desires to dwell in.
Yes,
The Lord will dwell in it forever.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
Even thousands of thousands.
The Lord is among them as in Sinai,
In the holy place.
You have ascended on high,
You have led captivity captive.
You have received gifts among men,
Even from the rebellious,
That the Lord God might dwell there.
Blessed be the Lord who daily loathes us with benefits,
The God of our salvation,
Selah.
Our God is the God of salvation,
And to God the Lord belongs escape from death.
But God will wound the head of his enemies,
The hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in his trespass.
The Lord said,
I will bring back from Bashan,
I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,
That your foot may crush them in blood,
And the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies.
They have seen your procession,
O God,
The procession of my God,
My King,
Into the sanctuary.
The singers went before,
The players on instruments followed after.
Among them were the maidens playing timbrels.
Bless God in the congregations,
The Lord from the fountain of Israel.
There is little Benjamin,
Their leader,
The princes of Judah and their company,
The princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.
Your God has commanded your strength,
Strengthen,
O God,
What you have done for us.
Because of your temple at Jerusalem,
Kings will bring presents to you.
Rebuke the beasts of the reed,
The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples,
Till everyone submits himself with pieces of silver.
Scatter the peoples who delight in war.
Envoys will come out of Egypt,
Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.
Sing to God,
Your kingdoms of the earth,
O sing praises to the Lord,
Selah.
To him who rides on the heaven of heavens,
Which were of old,
Indeed,
He sends out his voice,
A mighty voice.
Ascribe strength to God.
His excellence is over Israel,
And his strength is in the clouds.
O God,
You are more awesome than your holy places.
The God of Israel is he who gives strength and power to his people.
Blessed be God.
Verse 1.
Let God arise.
Let his enemies be scattered.
Let those also who hate him flee before him.
When we invite God to arise within us,
We welcome divine strength into our lives.
This verse is an invitation for us to surrender our struggles,
Knowing that God's presence dissolves the fears and doubts that might otherwise consume us.
As smoke is scattered by a strong wind,
So too will our anxieties be swept away by divine assurance.
Today,
Let us embrace the strength that comes not from our own effort but from allowing God's presence to fill our hearts,
Scattering all worry and heaviness.
Take a moment to imagine God rising within you,
A light that spreads through every corner of your mind and soul,
Sweeping away self-doubt,
Leaving only peace and clarity.
Verse 2.
As smoke is driven away,
So drive them away.
As wax melts before the fire,
So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
Here we see the profound image of smoke and melting wax,
Transitory things that cannot stand before the enduring light of God.
When we face wickedness in our lives,
Be it external or internal,
We can be comforted in knowing that God's presence has the power to dissolve these obstacles.
This verse reminds us that even our most ingrained patterns of fear or anger are not permanent in the light of divine love,
They too can be melted,
Released and transformed.
Picture a gentle flame within you,
A divine fire that lovingly melts away all negativity.
Allow yourself to feel lighter,
Freed from what no longer serves your highest good.
Verse 3.
But let the righteous be glad,
Let them rejoice before God,
Yes,
Let them rejoice exceedingly.
Joy is the natural state of a soul aligned with divine will.
This verse calls us to rejoice,
Not only in times of ease,
But as a way of life,
A celebration of being connected with God's love.
In a world often fraught with anxiety,
Rejoicing itself becomes an act of faith.
When we choose joy,
We affirm that there is good even when unseen.
This rejoicing opens our hearts to receive divine peace more fully,
Reminding us that joy is not dependent on circumstances,
But on our connection to God.
Smile softly as you think of a decent blessing or moment of peace.
Feel this joy as a current within flowing through you and lifting your spirit closer to God.
Verse 4.
Sing to God,
Sing praises to His name,
Extol Him who rides on the clouds by His name Yah and rejoice before Him.
Singing to God is a powerful act of devotion,
An outward expression of our inner reverence.
Whether we sing,
Speak or meditate,
Expressing gratitude opens our hearts and aligns us with the divine.
God who rides on the clouds is present in every moment,
Washed as the sky yet intimately near.
We are invited to praise and rejoice,
Embracing the freedom and love in this holy relationship.
Take a deep breath and whisper a quiet thank you to God.
Feel this simple act of gratitude fill you with light,
Raising your spirit to meet the divine.
Verse 5.
A father of the fatherless,
A defender of widows is God in His holy habitation.
In God we find a parent,
A defender and a protector who fills our needs.
This verse tells us that we are never alone,
No matter our life circumstances or past wounds.
God holds us with the care of a loving parent.
When we feel lost or vulnerable,
This divine presence is our refuge and strength,
Offering unconditional love.
Imagine yourself embraced by divine arms,
Safe and loved.
Know that no matter where you are,
You are supported by a higher love.
Verse 6.
God sets the solitary in families,
He brings out those who are bound into prosperity,
But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
God transforms our loneliness into connection,
Our struggles into opportunities for growth.
When we feel isolated or trapped,
We can turn to God,
Trusting that we will be guided to loving relationships and circumstances that uplift us.
When we resist,
We create our own dry land.
Yet,
God's grace is always available to refresh our spirits and welcome us back.
Reflect on a time when a connection or an opportunity lifted you from a difficult place.
Trust that more moments of connection and prosperity await you on your journey.
Verse 7.
O God,
When you went out before your people,
When you marched through the wilderness,
Selah,
This verse reminds us that God walks with us even in the wilderness of our lives.
The wilderness represents times of confusion,
Loss or struggle.
In these moments,
God does not abandon us.
Instead,
He leads us through with gentle guidance,
Ensuring that we will find our way back to peace.
Breathe deeply,
Feeling God walking beside you,
Guiding you through whatever wilderness you may face.
Trust that you are never alone in your journey.
Verse 8.
The earth shook.
The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God.
Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God,
The God of Israel.
God's presence is a force of nature.
The earth and heavens respond,
Reminding us of the vastness and intimacy of divine power.
As God's presence made Mount Sinai tremble,
So too does this same presence fill our lives,
Renewing our spirits like a gentle rain and grounding us when life feels shaky.
We are safe,
Held by a power greater than ourselves,
As strong as mountains and as nourishing as rain.
Imagine God's presence as a comforting rain,
Softly renewing your spirit.
Feel your connection to the earth beneath you,
Rooted and safe.
Verse 9.
You,
O God,
Sent a plentiful rain,
Whereby you confirmed your inheritance when it was weary.
God provides for us in abundance,
Often renewing when we feel weary.
This plentiful rain is symbolic of spiritual blessings,
An endless stream of divine support that reaches us just when we need it most.
Whether we are burdened by stress,
Loss,
Or doubt,
God's blessings revive us and restore our inner strength.
Picture divine rain nourishing the soil of your soul.
Let this image remind you that no matter how tired or depleted you may feel,
There is always renewal waiting for you.
Verse 10.
Your congregation dwelt in it.
You,
O God,
Provided from your goodness for the poor.
This verse affirms God's passionate nature.
God cares for all,
Especially those who feel unseen or neglected.
No one is overlooked.
No need is too small.
God's generosity knows no bounds.
In moments when we feel forgotten or lost,
We can take comfort in knowing that God sees and provides for us from an endless well of love.
Rest in the knowledge that you are cherished and all your needs are seen.
Let this awareness bring you peace,
Knowing that you are deeply loved and cared for.
Verse 11.
The Lord gave the word.
Great was the company of those who proclaimed it.
When we feel guided or inspired by the divine,
It empowers us to share that hope with others.
God's word is not just for one.
It is a message of love,
Strength,
And encouragement that unites and uplifts communities.
In sharing our own spiritual experiences,
We help to create a world of mutual support and compassion.
Think of a way you can share kindness today,
Perhaps through a simple word or gesture.
In doing so,
You are helping to spread God's light to others.
Verse 12.
Kings of armies flee,
They flee,
And she who remains at home divides the spoil.
The image of armies retreating speaks to the ultimate triumph of divine power over the forces that oppose peace and goodness.
Even in the face of overwhelming odds,
Those who trust in God find security and abundance.
God's protection allows us to find peace and fulfillment even when challenges arise.
Visualize any personal battles you face,
The treating before divine love.
Feel the freedom and peace that comes with God's protection.
Verse 13.
Though you lie down among the sheepfolds,
You will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver and her feathers with yellow gold.
The image of transformation.
Even in ordinary or humble circumstances,
God lifts us up and surrounds us with beauty and grace.
Like a dove adorned with silver and gold,
We are each precious and cherished,
No matter where we find ourselves.
In God's eyes,
We are radiant,
We are full of purpose and potential.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself as a dove,
Light and beautiful,
Touched by divine grace.
Let this image fill you with self-worth and peace.
Verse 14.
When the Almighty scattered kings in it,
It was white as snow in Zalmon.
This verse speaks of God's purifying power.
Just as snow blankets the earth creating a fresh landscape,
God's presence can cleanse us,
Removing the burdens we carry.
When we allow divine light into our hearts,
We release past wounds and create space for peace and renewal.
Imagine yourself surrounded by a pure white light,
Cleansing you of all worries or regrets.
Breathe deeply,
Feeling lighter and more at peace.
Verses 15 and 16.
A mountain of God is a mountain of Bashan.
A mountain of many peaks is the mountain of Bashan.
Why do you fume with envy,
You mountains of many peaks?
This is the mountain which God desires to dwell in.
Yes,
The Lord will dwell in it forever.
God's presence dwells in chosen places,
Not out of necessity,
But because God wills it.
Just as Bashan was blessed by God's attention,
We too are chosen to carry divine love within us.
The mountains of our own lives are sacred spaces where we can feel and experience the divine.
In this sense,
We don't need to compete or strive for greatness.
God is already with us.
Imagine the mountains in your life,
Your goals,
Challenges,
Relationships.
Imagine these as sacred spaces.
Know that God is with you in each one,
Offering guidance and support.
Verse 17.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand,
Even thousands of thousands.
The Lord is among them as in Sinai,
In the holy place.
This verse paints an image of God's immense strength and majesty.
God's presence is surrounded by an army of protection,
Countless in number and mighty in purpose.
We are not alone in our struggles.
We are surrounded by divine forces that protect and support us,
Just as Israel was protected by God's power on Sinai.
Visualize yourself encircled by divine chariots,
Countless blessings and protections that surround you,
Guarding your path.
Verse 18.
You have ascended on high.
You have led captivity captive.
You have received gifts among men,
Even from the rebellious,
That the Lord might dwell there.
This verse celebrates liberation and divine victory.
God has led captivity captive,
Freeing us from the chains of despair,
Fear and anger.
In this release,
We are empowered to offer our gifts,
Talents and love to others,
Creating a dwelling for God within our own lives and communities.
Imagine any captivities in your life being gently lifted by divine hands and feel the liberation that comes with surrender and grace.
Verse 19.
Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation,
Selah.
Each day brings new blessings.
God continually loads us with benefits,
Filling our lives with moments of grace,
Comfort and love.
When we take time to notice,
We realize that divine provision is always with us,
Supplying our needs and lifting us when we are weary.
Bring to mind a recent gift,
A moment of kindness or gentle encouragement that filled your day.
And as you bring this to mind,
Thank God for these daily blessings and let your heart feel nourished by them.
Verse 20.
Our God is the God of salvation and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.
God is our refuge,
Offering us escape from every form of death,
Whether physical,
Emotional or spiritual.
When we feel lost,
Despairing or afraid,
God is the one who guides us back to life and peace.
This verse is an invitation to lean into God as our ultimate source of renewal and hope,
Knowing that even our darkest moments are never the end.
Recollect a time when you were led out of a difficult situation or a dark time and feel gratitude for God's guidance.
Let this gratitude fill you with peace and strength.
Verse 21.
But God will wound the head of his enemies,
The hairy scalp of the one who still goes on in his trespasses.
This image reminds us that the forces of harm and negativity cannot withstand God's power.
Whatever oppresses or seeks to bring you down,
Be it fear,
Be it anger or be it despair,
It is ultimately powerless in the face of divine love.
God wounds these inner enemies,
Dismantling their hold on us and leading us to peace and freedom.
Imagine any of your own inner fears or struggles dissolving in the light of God's love and allow yourself to feel lighter.
Allow yourself to be liberated from these burdens.
The Lord said,
I will bring back from Bashan.
I will bring them back from the depths of the sea.
God's promise to bring back symbolizes his unwavering commitment to rescue us from the depths of our own struggles and challenges.
No situation is too deep or too far for God's reach.
Even when we feel lost,
There is always a path back to light and peace,
A path that is guided by divine care.
Reflect on any current difficulty or worry and imagine God gently lifting you out of it,
Guiding you toward a place of hope and clarity.
That your foot may crush them in blood and the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies.
This is a vivid image that speaks to the complete triumph of God's love.
With divine guidance,
Even our greatest fears are overcome,
Leaving no trace.
This verse symbolizes God's total power to free us from what oppresses us.
Imagine stepping with confidence over any challenges or fears you face.
Knowing that God is with you,
Knowing that God is with you,
Knowing that God is with you,
Knowing that God is with you,
Knowing that God is with you,
Knowing that God is with you,
Imagine stepping with confidence over any challenges or fears you face.
Knowing that God has already empowered you to overcome them.
They have seen your procession,
O God,
The procession of my God,
My King,
Into the sanctuary.
This verse portrays God's grandeur and holiness.
We are invited to envision the procession of God into a sacred space,
An image of divine closeness.
God is not distant.
Rather,
He is active in our lives,
Moving with us in every moment,
Blessing the spaces we inhabit with His presence.
Pity God entering the sanctuary of your heart.
They need peace,
Joy,
And a sense of sacredness.
Let yourself feel that divine closeness.
The singers went before,
The players on instruments followed after.
Among them were the maidens playing timbrels.
Joy and unity,
A procession filled with music and praise.
When we come together in gratitude and celebration,
We lift our spirits and create a shared experience of divine love.
Music and community are blessings that bring us closer to God,
Closer to each other.
Think of a song,
Memory,
Or a moment that brings you joy.
And let that joy fill your heart and uplift your spirit,
Reminding you of the goodness around you.
Verse 26 Bless God in the congregations,
The Lord from the fountain of Israel.
This verse reminds us to honour God as a source of life and blessing.
The fountain of Israel symbolizes a wellspring of divine love and abundance.
When we gather to bless and praise God,
We open our hearts to receive more of His grace,
Refreshing our spirits like water from a spring.
Picture yourself at a spring,
Drinking deeply from God's love and kindness.
Let this image refresh you,
Filling you with a sense of peace and abundance.
Verse 27 There is little Benjamin,
Their leader,
The princes of Judah and their company,
The princes of Zebulun and the princes of Naphtali.
This verse calls forth a sense of unity among diverse tribes,
Each coming together under God's guidance.
Just as these tribes represent different strengths and qualities,
We too bring our unique gifts to the community of faith.
Together,
We are stronger,
United by a common purpose and love.
Reflect on the people in your life who offer support,
Guidance and friendship.
Feel gratitude for these connections and for the unique gifts you bring to them as well.
Verse 28 Your God has commanded your strength.
Strengthen,
O God,
What you have done for us.
God is the source of our strength,
Blessing us with the ability to persevere.
In moments of challenge,
We can turn to God,
Asking Him to renew and strengthen us.
This verse is an invitation to open ourselves to divine support,
Allowing God to reinforce the good already within us.
Place your hand over your heart and ask God to strengthen you today.
Feel His presence filling you with courage,
Resilience and hope.
Verse 29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem,
Kings will bring presents to you.
This verse symbolizes reverence as gifts are brought to God's temple.
Just as kings honor God with offerings,
We too can offer our love,
Gratitude and service as a form of devotion.
When we bring our hearts to God,
We find peace and fulfillment,
Honoring the divine presence within and around us.
Offer a simple,
Heartfelt word of gratitude to God for today.
Let this act of devotion bring a sense of peace and joy to your spirit.
Verse 30 Rebuke the beasts of the reeds,
The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples,
Till everyone submits himself with pieces of silver.
Scatter the peoples who delight in war.
Peace over violence,
Symbolizing God's power to calm all forces of unrest.
The call for submission is one of alignment with God's peace and love.
When we turn our hearts to God,
We invite harmony and healing,
Replacing discord with understanding.
Imagine any inner conflicts within you settling in peaceful resolution.
Feel the calm that comes from surrendering to God's loving guidance.
Verse 31 Envoys will come out of Egypt.
Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.
This vision of distant lands reaching out to God symbolizes the universality of divine love.
People from all nations and backgrounds are invited to experience God's grace,
Reminding us that divine love transcends all boundaries.
We too can stretch out our hands in openness and welcome.
Open your arms wide,
Physically or in spirit,
As a symbol of your openness to divine love.
Feel the warmth and embrace of God's love reaching all people,
Including you.
Verse 32 Sing to God,
You kingdoms of the earth,
O sing praises to the Lord's cellar.
All nations are called to praise God in a unified song of reverence and gratitude.
There is something beautiful in knowing that God is loved and honored by people everywhere.
In singing praises,
We become part of a global harmony,
Uplifting ourselves and those around us.
Imagine your praises joining with those of people around the world,
Creating a symphony of gratitude and love that echoes throughout the earth.
Verses 33 and 34 To him who rides on the heaven of heavens,
Which were of old indeed,
He sends out his voice,
A mighty voice.
Ascribe strength to God.
His excellence is over Israel and his strength is in the clouds.
God's voice is powerful,
Stretching through the heavens,
Reminding us of his boundless strength and protection.
When we feel overwhelmed,
We can draw comfort from knowing that divine power is greater than any struggle we face.
God is present in every element of creation,
A constant source of peace and security.
Imagine God's strength surrounding you,
As vast as the sky and as close as a heartbeat.
Rest in the safety of his divine presence,
Knowing you are loved and protected.
Verse 35 O God,
You are more awesome than your holy places.
O God,
You are more awesome than your holy places.
The God of Israel is he who gives strength and power to his people.
Blessed be God.
This final verse is a crescendo of praise,
Acknowledging God's strength as our source of power.
In this acknowledgement we find peace,
Strength and confidence.
The same God who filled holy places with presence,
Now fills us with that same strength.
We are empowered to face each day with resilience and hope,
Knowing God walks with us.
Close your meditation by feeling the strength and power of God within you,
Grounding you and filling you with love.
A prayer O Beloved Creator,
As we walk the path before us,
May your strength be our guide,
Your love our refuge.
Help us to see your presence in the mountains,
The rain and the light.
Fill us with peace,
Renew our spirits and empower us to live each day with joy,
Gratitude and trust in you.
May we go forth in the light of your love.
Amen Amen
