4/26/2026 HILL CITY CHURCH

PSALM 75:1–11 GOD'S PROMISES TO A WORLD OF UNCERTAINTY

Pastor David Proffitt

AUTHOR: ASAPH -Levite musician, Chief worship leader under David, Prophetically gifted servant of God, Writer of Psalm 50 and Psalms 73–83. God often raises worship leaders and faithful servants during unstable times to strengthen His people.

INTRODUCTION: ALTASCHITH – אֶל־תַּשְׁחֵת, SHACHATH = RUIN, SPOIL, “DO NOT DESTROY” This Psalm was written in dangerous days. It describes: Threatening times, Social instability, Fearful circumstances, Uncertain futures, risis near at hand. Yet Psalm 75 is not a song of panic. It is a song of confidence.

Verse 1 - “We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks…”

(RIGHT AT THE VERY TOP) DESTROY NOT — THANK YOU, THANK YOU What a remarkable combination! At the top of the Psalm: danger is real, destruction seems possible, uncertainty surrounds them. Yet the first words are: Thank You AND Thank You again. This is mature faith. Many people thank God after the storm. Asaph thanks God before the storm passes.

VERSE 1 - “For Your name is near.” Today we would say: “For You are near.” But in Scripture, God’s name means: His character, His power, His promises, His covenant faithfulness, His holiness, His mercy, His authority. So when Asaph says: “Your name is near” He means: Everything God is… is near. Everything God can do… is near. Everything God has promised… is near.

HOW DO WE KNOW GOD IS NEAR? “Your wondrous works declare” (NKJV) God’s works testify to His presence. Look backward and remember: creation, deliverance, answered prayer, protection, provision, salvation, preservation -> The God who worked before still works now.

HEBREW WORD: SAFAR->Meaning: to count, to recount, to record, to keep score -> GOD KEEPS SCORE. Nothing escapes Him. He keeps score of: injustice, pride, faithfulness, obedience, sacrifice, tears, righteousness, evil deeds. The world may ignore truth. Heaven never does.

ASAPH CAN BE OPTIMISTIC Not because times are easy. But because he is concentrating on:

BE THE PROBLEM SOLVER not THE PROBLEM. -That is one of the great secrets of victorious living.

THE NEW TESTAMENT MODEL OF HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES: ACTS 1–2: - When the early church faced uncertainty after Christ’s ascension, they did not collapse. They gathered, prayed, obeyed, and trusted God.

CHURCH GROWTH IN THE BOOK OF ACTS - Gnosis = progressive understanding. Layers of truth added over time.

- Acts 1–2 — 120 in the upper room

- Acts 2:41 — 3,000 were baptized

- Acts 2:47 — The Lord added daily

- Acts 4:4 — 5,000 believed

- Acts 5:14 — Crowds added

- Acts 6:7 — Multiplied greatly in Jerusalem

- Acts 9:31 — Multiplied

- Acts 16:5 — Increased in number daily

Lesson: The church’s greatest seasons often come during uncertain times.

ACTS 2:42–47 FOUR KEY PRACTICES- four spiritual priorities of the early church: 1. Apostles’ Teaching - Sound doctrine. Biblical truth. Spiritual grounding. 2. Fellowship (Koinonia) - Shared life, unity, spiritual relationships. 3. Breaking Bread - Meals together, communion, hospitality. 4. Prayer - Dependence on God.

RESULTS OF THESE FOUR PRACTICES - Because they practiced these faithfully: awe came upon every soul, wonders and signs occurred, unity increased, needs were met, generosity flourished, joy spread, the Lord added daily.

THE POWER OF HOSPITALITY - how meals bond people together. Food often becomes a doorway to ministry. Around tables: strangers become friends, believers grow closer, burdens are shared, conversations deepen, the gospel spreads. Hospitality is often overlooked spiritual power.

MODERN EXAMPLES OF GOD STILL WORKING

CHINA - Population: 1.4 billion, Christians: 120 million, Communists: 100 million. Even under pressure, the gospel grows.

IMB – INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD: - 3,600 missionaries, 150 countries, 145,000 new believers, 69,000 already baptized.

NAMB – NORTH AMERICAN MISSION BOARD: - 767 new church plants

ABS – AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY: 71 countries, 445,000 Bibles / New Testaments distributed, 1,083,000 Jesus Video presentations, 748,000 decisions for Christ.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH GROWTH - 2024: 28% growth, 2025: continued increase. Especially noted: Millennials, Gen Z men. Young people are searching for truth, meaning, conviction, and strength.

WHY ARE MANY YOUNG MEN SEEKING GOD? Because the world offers: confusion, emptiness, weak identity, shallow purpose. But Christ offers: truth, courage, forgiveness, direction, eternal purpose.

APPLICATION FROM PSALM 75 + ACTS In Uncertain Times: Give Thanks Like Asaph. Stay Near God because His name is near. Recount His Works and Remember His faithfulness. Gather With Believers Like Acts 2. Prioritize Word, Fellowship, Meals, Prayer.

GOSPEL CONNECTION: Jesus Christ is the greatest proof that God has not abandoned the world. At the cross: justice met mercy, sin was judged, salvation was offered. At the resurrection: death was defeated, hope was secured, the church was born in power.

FINAL CONCLUSION:Psalm 75 teaches: Even when destruction seems near— Say thank You. Acts teaches: Even when the future is uncertain—Gather, pray, teach, fellowship, break bread, and trust God. God is still saving people across the earth. The world may be uncertain, but God is not. The times may shake, but the throne does not. The church may be pressured, but the gospel still multiplies. Therefore: Give thanks, stay faithful, and expect God to move.