Friday, January 1, 2016

Psalm 77 - Recalling God's Miracles Gives Us Courage

The author of Psalm 77 was Asaph - if you recall has wasa leader of one of the temple choirs.  He shares with us that we are comforted through the hard times by remembering God's help in the past.  If you have gone through anything where you know God assisted you, you can recall His miracle in your life and His previous works can give you courage to continue on today, tomorrow and always.

Asaph cried out to God for courage during a time of deep distress in his life.  The source of his distress was his doubt.  He pled, "I cried out to God for help" But in verses 13-20 (that you can read below) the "I" is gone.  As Asaph expressed his requests to God, his focus changed from thinking of himself to worshiping God.  "You are the God who performs miracles" (v14).  Only after he put aside his doubts about God's holiness and care for him did he eliminate his distress.  As we pray to God, he shifts our focus from ourselves to him.

Psalm 77:11, 12 - "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.  12-I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds"

Memories of God's miracles and faithfulness sustained Israel through their difficulties.  They knew that God was capable and trustworthy.  When you meet new trials, review how good God has been to you, and this will strengthen your faith.

Psalm 77:16 - "The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed"

Verse 16 refers to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.  This great event is mentioned many times in the Old Testament (Exodus 14:21,22; Joshua 24:6; Nehemiah 9:9 and many more).   The story of this incredible miracle was handed down from generation to generation, reminding the Israelites of God's power, protection and love.


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1 comment:

  1. Psalm 77 / New International Version

    1 I cried out to God for help;
    I cried out to God to hear me.
    2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
    at night I stretched out untiring hands,
    and my soul refused to be comforted.

    3 I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
    I mused and my spirit grew faint.
    4 You kept my eyes from closing;
    I was too troubled to speak.
    5 I thought about the former days,
    the years of long ago;
    6 I remembered my songs in the night.
    My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

    7 “Will the Lord reject forever?
    Will he never show his favor again?
    8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
    Has his promise failed for all time?
    9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

    10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
    the years of the right hand of the Most High."
    11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
    12 I will consider all your works
    and consider all your mighty deeds.”

    13 Your ways, O God, are holy.
    What god is so great as our God?
    14 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples.
    15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

    16 The waters saw you, O God,
    the waters saw you and writhed;
    the very depths were convulsed.
    17 The clouds poured down water,
    the skies resounded with thunder;
    your arrows flashed back and forth.
    18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
    your lightning lit up the world;
    the earth trembled and quaked.
    19 Your path led through the sea,
    your way through the mighty waters,
    though your footprints were not seen.

    20 You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

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