Therefore the LORD heard this and was furious; So a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also came up against Israel, Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation.
Psalms 78:21-22

One of the least popular truths about God is that besides being a God of love, He is likewise and equally a God of wrath. The Psalmist points out the primary cause on our part that invites His wrath: Unbelief.

The text first cites not “believing in God.” According to Psalm 14:1, the one who does not believe in God is a fool. There are many who are wise enough to believe “in” God—that is, in His existence. More accurately, the problem in Psalm 78:22 is not “believing God.” It is one thing to believe “in God’s existence.” It is quite another to “believe God”—that is, to believe what He says. Failure to believe God is the first of two primary points of unbelief that bring about God’s wrath.

The text next cites not “trusting [believing] in His salvation.” All are sinners in need of a Savior to escape God’s judgment. And God is gracious to have provided just such a Savior. His name is Jesus. Jesus is the one and only Savior. Those who do not “believe God” [what He says], are deserving of His judgment. But those who refuse to trust in Jesus, who is the only One through whom we may be saved, are deserving of the ultimate measure of His fury.

Reject God: incur wrath. Reject His Son, who is the only Savior from God’s wrath: incur , unmitigated fury!

Does this seem like a downer? It is not. It is the greatest news ever. Though we are sinners, deserving of God’s judgment, God saves those who simply trust in Christ.