Psalm 77 offers comfort by reminding us we can cry out to God when we are overwhelmed by life. And maybe you’re there right now. Asaph, the guy who penned the psalm must have been having that kind of season when he left the words for you and for me, having that kind of day, week, month or year(s).
And so, I was directed right there in 77 to remind me not to stay right here this week, stuck in the hard moment. The first ten verses are raw honesty that made me just want to turn the holy page. I’m thankful I kept reading . . .
The psalmist refused to allow his soul to be comforted, but then took a 180-turn by experiencing the wonder-of-old kind of peace by just remembering.
Which is why I journal. And journal some more.
Our human rhythm of cry, question, remember and trust works when we name the ache and hope in God at the same time. It’s a tricky mix. Asaph knew He could trust God to listen to his heart during a Red Sea moment when he felt like he was drowning, even though he was plenty aware that a holy Shepherd’s path leads through the waters. Not. Around. It.
When silence sounds louder than the promises, do we wonder if God’s love has run out or if He’s sitting this one out? Yes we sometimes do, if we’re honest with us and Him. In a weak instant it’s easy to say, I’m about to fold because I’ve been praying for the same situation to the same God, and I’m here. Stuck.
But — we can be there, held by Him in the next ten verses that begin “Then I said” that tells us we need to reflect backward to rehearse God’s faithfulness and ponder the miracle of getting through.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord, yes I will remember your wonders of old.
Through many hard days and years, I’ve scribed reams recording the wonders. Because remembrance is “spiritual defiance” that fuels our faith from the sorrow of today to the hope of tomorrow.
Friend ~ if you are there, stuck in an Asaph-rut, turn it around like he did and reflect post miracles in how our good Father has brought you through to dry land.
“You are the God who works wonders, You have made known Your might among the people. Psalm seventy-seven
Verna
Leave a Reply