Psalm 75:1 – Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous work declare.
This Psalm of Asaph focuses on demotion and promotion. He’s reminding us that both come from God. He controls who is set up and who is brought low.
It is easy to be discouraged when we feel our effort is not being noticed or appreciated. But our goal in life should not be for earthly honor or acknowledgment.
Our life, service and ministry should be focused on our audience of One – the Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe that’s why Asaph repeats the first phrase in this chapter “unto thee do we give thanks.” He wants to emphasize the truth of Who deserves our thanks. God is the One who gives us our family, position in life, place of service, ministry, job, strength, intellect and physical capabilities. He alone is the source of any glory or honor we receive.
God alone stands Judge over our lives. He has shown us His power in His wondrous works since the first day of creation and He has continued those wondrous works in our own lives.
In fact, we can sometimes see His wondrous work even when we are demoted. God knows the future, and knows when we need to be made “to lie down in green pastures”, whether we need a time a healing or rest or spiritual restoration.
We need to be mindful that our praise goes to God alone, not to others, not to self, not to the universe, or to “karma”.
God alone deserves our thanksgiving for everything that happens in our lives.
Obtaining Mercy 