📅 February 13: Psalm 77 - In Times of Distress, Remember God’s Works

Daily Bible Readings February
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:date: February 13: Psalm 77 - In Times of Distress, Remember God’s Works

:earth_africa: Introduction:

Delving into Psalm 77, we encounter the author, Asaph’s, honest lament to God amidst deep distress. His soul weeps, yet his hope anchors in divine deeds, urging us to delve into our sentiment during despair, but also seek solace in God’s unfailing works.

:open_book: Psalm 77: A Cry to God amid Despondency

Asaph’s heartfelt cry begins. Amidst distress, he reaches out to God, yet his soul refuses to be comforted (v. 2). His spirit faints, forgotten are the joyous songs in the night (v. 6).
:scroll: **Key Verse: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?” (Psalm 77:7)

Asaph then instills hope, reminiscing God’s wondrous deeds (v. 11), His path in the sea (v. 19). Asaph chooses to remember and meditate. We find his resilience in clinging to God’s promises.
:scroll: **Key Verse: “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)

:sparkles: Key Themes and Reflections:

  • Honesty with God - God desires our honesty, our genuine feelings, and pains. Asaph showed us that it’s okay not to be okay. Consider sharing your fears, your doubts with God.

  • Remembering God’s Deeds - There’s power in remembrance. Recalling God’s miracles in challenging situations is a spiritual weapon.

:bulb: Today’s Application:

Identify your pain points, your struggles, and lay them in prayer. Then remember what God has done for you in the past, His miracles - personal or biblical - and allow the power of His deeds to comfort your troubled spirit.

:mag: Hidden Gem:

Interestingly, God provided a path through the sea, an inherently chaotic place (v. 19). Just as He calmed the storm for His disciples, He can turn our chaotic situations into paths, leading us to His promises.

:thought_balloon: Reflective Q&A:

  • :question: What is our natural tendency when faced with distress?
    A: We often focus on our problems and feel neglected.

  • :question: How can remembering God’s works help us in times of sorrow?
    A: It reminds us of His unfailing love and power, instills hope, and strengthens our faith.

  • :question: Can God handle our sadness and doubt?
    A: Yes, He can. We have the freedom to express all feelings, including sorrow and doubt, in our relationship with God.

:speech_balloon: Join the Discussion:

Share a time when you were in distress, yet remembering God’s works helped you stay afloat. Let’s uplift each other with our testimonies!

:date: See You Tomorrow in Psalm 78

Immerse deeply into another of Asaph’s Psalm, where he uses history as a teaching instrument for present generations. Till then, remember, just as God journeyed with our ancestors, He journeys with us today, especially in times of despair.

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Psalm 77
Depression sets in upon the faithful when they see the terrible conditions of life, and the way of human weakness. It is difficult for those with a godly mind to understand the vagaries of life, and particularly when beset by so many issues and problems. Especially is this so when the condition of the Brotherhood is considered. Such was the case of the Psalmist, as recorded in this psalm for the temple worship. Yet, there is a solution and this is presented in this glorious Temple-song. The Voice declares that depression can be conquered by meditating upon Yahweh’s great deliverances in former days, for He changeth not (Heb. 13:5-6). His will shall be done, and it only requires the eyes of faith to be illuminated by His Word to recognise the signs of His mercy and goodness. So the song first sets forth The Problem (vv. 1-9). This section is divided into two, both concluding with the lovely expression Selah: ponder, consider, pause, reflect. In the day of distress, the Psalmist strove in vain to find comfort in prayer, as constant repetition is given to his need – see the repetition of “I,” “mine,” “me,” “my” – (vv. 1-3). In the watches of the night, he pondered the past history of Israel (vv. 4-6), and asked as to whether God could have cast off His people (vv. 7-9). But now, after this second Selah, having paused and deeply pondered the issues, his eyes are opened to The Solution (vv. 10-20). The problem must be not in God but in himself (v. 10), and the answer sought in searching Yahweh’s revelation of Himself in the past (vv. 11-15). The Psalmist considers Yahweh’s mighty power (vv. 16-19), and seeks comfort in His shepherd-like characteristics (v. 20). Yahweh will always lead His sheep to greener pastures, through the shadow of the valley of death, and ultimately to wondrous unity with Him. What joy is in the song! Psalm 77 commences with the superscription: “A Psalm of Asaph.” Asaph is selected as being pre-eminently a seer, and is held next in honour to David (2Chr. 29:30). The emphatic manner in which the prophetic title is annexed to his name suggests that he was favoured with a larger measure of the prophetic Spirit than his contemporary Levitical prophets. The Psalm recalls Yahweh’s wonderful works of old for the encouragement of faith in the hour of distress. The Psalmist expresses the problem facing him: vv. 1-9. He suffers from personal misery as he contemplates the circumstances of life. Note the continued expression of the personal “I” in vv. 1-6. Has he been abandoned of God (vv. 4-9)? In the day of his distress, he strove in vain to find comfort in prayer (vv. 1-3). Then comes the solution: vv. 10-20. The Psalmist is occupied with God and His wondrous works. Thus depression can be conquered by meditating upon Yahweh’s great deliverances of former days, for He changeth not (Mal. 3:6). From out of all the storm and tumult there emerges the quiet pastoral scene in v. 20, the flock quietly following the Shepherd into green pastures and beside still waters. So it is with the storm and tumults and doubts of life: after the storm comes the calm. — Logos.