Scripture: Psalm 77
Focus on the Word
Once upon a time there was a man named, Asaph, and he was troubled and disturbed. He said his spirit could find no comfort and that it felt like God wasn’t listening to him and forgotten him. At one point he said he was “so troubled that I cannot speak” (Psalm 77: 4, NASB). The silence of God was so powerful he said, “When I remember God, them I am disturbed” (Psalm 77:3, NASB). Truth is, he felt rejected by God and wondered if God would ever again be favorable. Asaph asked, “Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever? Has God forgotten to be gracious, or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion?” (Psalm 77:8-9, NASB).
Have you ever been there? God seemed long ago and far away. You felt alone, forgotten, even rejected. It is a lonely experience. You prayed but your words fell silent. You tried to listen but it seemed there was nothing to hear. The disturbance was so great you felt trapped and exiled.
Some people experience “the silence of God” and walk away from Him. Asaph ran toward Him. In his pain he intentionally decided to “remember” (Psalm 77:11). He chose to draw near God anyway, to think about the deeds of God over the years, to reflect upon the wonders of the past where God showed up and worked His might works. In his remembering he reconnected with God and in a powerful moment of faith-filled worship he prayed, “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. You have by Your power redeemed Your people” (Psalm 77:13-15, NASB).
God bless that man Asaph. He was a very real man in a very real world, and in very real trouble but his faith, though battered and bruised, led him back to the sovereignty, grace, mercy, compassion, and faithfulness of God. He might not have been experiencing the high of the mountaintop with God but in his heart of hearts he knew that God was still God; and, he worshipped. Life might beat up on him but his God was the living God. So, to the altar he went, at the altar he prayed, and on the altar he laid out his life. He was in the hands of God and that is where he would stay.
Today’s Prayer
My Father, if it is possible,
may this cup be taken from me.
Yet not as I will, but as you will.
My Father, if it is not possible for this cup
to be taken away unless I drink it,
may your will be done.
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Matthew 26: 39,42 NIV
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