5/03/2026 HILL CITY CHURCH
PSALM 75:1–11 GOD'S PROMISES TO A WORLD OF UNCERTAINTY - Part 2
Pastor David Proffitt
Review of Part 1 - LIVING IN "DO NOT DESTROY" TIMES
The heading of Psalm 75 reads: “According to ‘Do Not Destroy’ (Al-tashcheth).” - The Hebrew phrase אַל־תַּשְׁחֵת (Altaschith) comes from the root shachath, meaning ruin, spoil, or destroy. Before we even reach verse 1, the stage is set: 1) dangerous times, 2) unstable conditions, 3) a world that feels like it could fall apart.
Yet the very first words are not of fear, but of gratitude.
Who is writing this? Asaph - a Levite, chief worship leader, musician under David, prophet, and author of Psalm 50 and Psalms 73–83. Asaph is not just writing lyrics; he is teaching theology through worship. He shows us how to respond when the world is uncertain.
Part 1 Summary: Verse 1 – “We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks…” God is near—so we give thanks.
1. Thanksgiving Before Deliverance: Notice the repetition - "We give thanks… we give thanks…” This is intentional. Gratitude comes first, not after the problem is solved. Asaph demonstrates confidence in the sovereignty of God. Even when destruction may be near, he still gives thanks.
2. Why can Asaph give thanks? Because he understands something deeper than the crisis: “For your name is near.” In modern terms: “God, You are here.” God is not distant, not absent, not unaware.
3. How do we know God is near? “We recount your wondrous deeds.” (Hebrew: safar= to count, to record) To keep score—God’s works are visible, measurable, and recordable.
4. Focus Shift: Asaph is able to be optimistic because he focuses on the Problem Solver, not the problem.
When God is near, we can give thanks—even before the situation changes.
Transition to Part 2: Part 1 (last week) answered: Where is God? He is near. Part 2 (today) addresses: What is God going to do?
I. God Will Judge With Fairness (v.2) - “At the set time that I appoint, I will judge with equity.”
A. God Has a Set Time: God declares “I have already appointed the moment.” Evil is not ignored, justice is not forgotten, and history is not random.
Supporting Scriptures:
- Psalm 115:3 - He does whatever He pleases
- Psalm 135:6 – He rules over all
God is not reacting—He is sovereign.
B. God Judges With Equity: The Hebrew word YASHAR means upright, straight, fair, lawful. God’s judgment is perfect, unbiased, and incorruptible.
C. Application: In a world of corrupt systems, unfair outcomes, and injustice, Psalm 75 promises that God will judge with perfect fairness. God may delay judgment—but He never cancels it.
II. God Will Ensure Eternal Stability (v.3)
“When the earth totters… it is I who keep steady its pillars.”
A. The World Is Unstable: The word “totters” means dissolving, shaking, collapsing. Today we see this in political instability, wars, moral confusion, and economic pressure.
Cross References: 2 Peter 3:10 – the world will dissolve, Revelation 21:5 – God will make all things new.
B. God Holds the Pillars: God says, “I am the one holding everything together.”
C. God Owns This Responsibility: He never loses control—even when everything looks chaotic, nothing makes sense, and systems break down. When everything seems to be falling apart, God is still holding it all together.
III. God Warns the Proud and Controls Promotion (vv.4–10)
A. Warning to the Proud (vv.4–5): “Do not boast… do not lift up your horn…”
“Horn” represents power, pride, and self-exaltation. God confronts arrogance, entitlement, and self-confidence apart from Him. Pride says, “I did this.”
Faith says, “God allowed this.”
B. Promotion Does Not Come From Expected Places (v.6): “Not from the east or west… not from the Negev…”
This means promotion does not come from connections, geography, or human systems.
C. God Decides Who Rises and Falls (v.7):
“It is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.”
God controls elevation, removal, and outcomes. God is the ultimate authority behind every rise and fall.
D. Final Judgment: The Cup (v.8):
"In the hand of the LORD there is a cup..."
This cup represents God’s wrath, complete justice, and unavoidable judgment.
New Testament Connection: Matthew 26:39, - Luke 22:42
Jesus spoke of this cup—and took it on behalf of sinners. Judgment is certain, but grace is available.
E. Final Reversal (vv.9–10): The wicked will be cut off; the righteous will be lifted up. God will reverse what the world gets wrong.
God Is Still Working: Even today, the Church continues to grow, the Gospel continues to spread, and people continue to come to Christ.
Our Response (from Acts 2): Teach truth, build fellowship, share meals, pray, and invite people.
Practical Steps: Invite people intentionally, use online tools, follow up personally, and build authentic community.
FINAL CONCLUSION: Psalm 75 gives us certainty in uncertainty.
When the world is unstable:
-God is near
- God is in control
- God is just
- God is working
- God will judge
- God will restore
In a world that feels like it is falling apart, God remains perfectly in control, perfectly just, and is moving everything toward His final purpose. When the earth totters, the pillars are still in God’s hands—and He never loses His grip.