What happens in Psalm 74 is relatively common in the Psalter, but it is remarkable nevertheless. The writer unleashes complaints against God like this.

We see no miraculous signs as evidence that you will save us. All the prophets are gone; no one can tell us when it will end.

How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to mock you?
Will you let them dishonor your name forever?

Why do you hold back your strong right hand?
Unleash your powerful fist and deliver a deathblow.

Psalm 74:9-11

Verse 9 especially gets me. “We see no miraculous signs as evidence that you will save us.”

Things are bad in the Psalmist’s world. Really bad. So we are not prepared for the very next thing he says.

You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.
Psalm 74:12
Wow!

How do you hold those two thoughts together at one time? I see no evidence Lord that you are doing one blame thing for me right now, and “you, O God, are my king from ages past.”

This is the challenge for us–to hold these two competing thoughts at the same time. Things are bad now and probably going to get worse before they get better.

But he is my King from ages past.

Chris Smith