Recalling God's Faithfulness

Psalm 77:3 - I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed.

Even back in the Old Testament people were consumed with worry. They questioned, at first, where God could be as they underwent times of trouble. Aren't there days when we wonder where God is in our lives, in our nation, in the world? It's good to have an example in the Bible of what others have gone through.

Psalm 77 was written, not by David, but by a man named Asaph. I wondered who this guy was. I found out he was David's music director, probably responsible for writing the music for David's Psalms. Many of the Psalms were the worship music back then! We don't know what Asaph's crisis was, whether it was personal or for the people of Israel. Whatever it was, he complained to God. I see him as fretting and, as we often do, forgetting at first the promises of a great God. He had to let his feelings be known, so he cried out.

He recalled past days when, no doubt, things were better: I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. (Verses 5-6) He wondered if God even cared. Had He forgotten? Was He angry? Then he, perhaps by the leading of the Spirit, remembered the years God had been good. He recalled the "wonders of old" in his life. He began to think of those things and proclaimed: Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders... (Verses 13b, 14a)

He marveled again at His creation. He thought back on the mighty redemption of His people. And he knew God had not abandoned him. Recalling all that God had done gave him the assurance that He could trust once again in God's actions.

Aren't we a bit like Asaph sometimes? We are in the midst of a a circumstance we wish we did not have to go through and wonder if it will ever end. We may not always question God--why is this happening or when will it end--but there's that wonder.

When things seem to be at their worst, however, I think God reaches into the recesses of our minds and spirits and through His Spirit, brings remembrance of who He is and what He's done for us.

As mentioned earlier this week, once we've heeded God's call to redemption, no matter what happens to us, He is there in the midst of our circumstances. No matter what the outcome, it was orchestrated by God. We don't always know the reason. It might not even be for us but rather for someone else...all those intricate puzzle pieces being put together by an all-knowing God to bring about good to someone somewhere!

All we need do is muddle through our situation, trusting it is in God's hands. We may not like the outcome as we view it, but someone else could benefit by it. We just need to keep in mind that no matter what, God knows what He's doing and more importantly, our future is secure--even in death.

Psalm 77:20 - You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Trust and see. God leads His people like a flock......