The Shepherd’s Discipline is Good
Calamity and hardship are nothing new to the people of God. When these things occur, it is important to ask are these circumstances because of God’s discipline on sin. In Psalm 79 the people of Israel have experienced the invasion of their lands, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the devastation of the Temple. These are unprecedented calamities for people to face. Yet, these events were foretold by Moses and the prophets and should have not been a surprise to an unfaithful people. God is disciplining the Israelites for their continued sin.
The psalmist begins by recounting the hardship of the people at the hands of the ungodly (1-4). He then prays, asking for mercy and justice upon the ungodly of the world (5-7). He knows that they need His compassion and deliverance (8-9). Brethren, in the midst of troubles, pray! Are you in unrepentant sin? Is so, confess your sins before the Lord, and ask for His forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9). God will use even the ungodly to accomplish His purposes.
The psalmist ends this great prayer with a confession of faith and confidence in God (79:13). He is their Shepherd and they are His sheep. Even in the midst of God’s discipline His love and care for them is evident. Israel is His chosen nation by covenant, and they will not be forgotten. In great hardship, they will repent and turn back to the Lord. Because of the Lord’s actions, all generations will hear of the Good Shepherd. Brethren, God disciplines His people to bring them to repentance and dependency upon Him. God is glorified in the world when His people are faithful to Him.