Psalm 77

“And I said, ‘This is my anguish; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. – Selah”  Psalm 77:10-15 (NKJV)

Psalm 77 begins with anguish, a desperate cry from an overwhelmed spirit.  Trouble, self-searching, and questions about the uncertainty of God’s deliverance rule the first half of the psalm.  It reminds me of prayers I have sent up in guarded hope that help was on the way—equal parts trust and uncertainty.  

“Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?” Psalm 77:7-9 (NKJV)

But, all of a sudden, the mood changes from hopelessness to faithfulness.  What happened to leverage such a turnaround?  Remembrance!  Asaph remembered God’s past faithfulness, His mighty works from His Word.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Our faith comes from remembering God’s faithfulness, as articulated in the Bible.  That remembrance encourages us to trust His Word regarding His faithfulness for our future!  As we meditate on God’s Word, we are more inclined to talk about His faithfulness to encourage others who are struggling.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…” 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NKJV)

When we seek God’s Word, apply it to our lives, and teach it to others, the next generation will be more inclined to follow God.  Perhaps the most impactful history of God’s faithfulness that someone needs experience is how He transformed you!

“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” Ezra 7:10 (NKJV)