Following God's Script

Psalm 74

A psalm of Asaph.

Psa 74:1	A psalm of Asaph. O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why is your anger so intense against the sheep of your own pasture?
Psa 74:2	Remember that we are the people you chose in ancient times, the tribe you redeemed as your own special possession! And remember Jerusalem,[fn1] your home here on earth.
Psa 74:3	Walk through the awful ruins of the city; see how the enemy has destroyed your sanctuary.
Psa 74:4	There your enemies shouted their victorious battle cries; there they set up their battle standards.
Psa 74:5	They chopped down the entrance like woodcutters in a forest.
Psa 74:6	With axes and picks, they smashed the carved paneling.
Psa 74:7	They set the sanctuary on fire, burning it to the ground. They utterly defiled the place that bears your holy name.
Psa 74:8	Then they thought, "Let's destroy everything!" So they burned down all the places where God was worshiped.
Psa 74:9	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.
Psa 74:10	How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to mock you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever?
Psa 74:11	Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and deliver a deathblow.
Psa 74:12	You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth.
Psa 74:13	You split the sea by your strength and smashed the sea monster's heads.
Psa 74:14	You crushed the heads of Leviathan and let the desert animals eat him.
Psa 74:15	You caused the springs and streams to gush forth, and you dried up rivers that never run dry.
Psa 74:16	Both day and night belong to you; you made the starlight[fn2] and the sun.
Psa 74:17	You set the boundaries of the earth, and you make both summer and winter.
Psa 74:18	See how these enemies scoff at you, Lord. A foolish nation has dishonored your name.
Psa 74:19	Don't let these wild beasts destroy your doves. Don't forget your afflicted people forever.
Psa 74:20	Remember your covenant promises, for the land is full of darkness and violence!
Psa 74:21	Don't let the downtrodden be constantly disgraced! Instead, let these poor and needy ones give praise to your name.
Psa 74:22	Arise, O God, and defend your cause. Remember how these fools insult you all day long.
Psa 74:23	Don't overlook these things your enemies have said. Their uproar of rebellion grows ever louder.

Eventually this prayer will be answered, and the script defining this age will end.