When we are in trouble, do we look back on God’s history with Israel and learn to trust His care? Let’s look at Psalm 77.
For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB)
What kind of prayers do we make to God when our days are filled with trouble?
I pray to you, Lord God, and I beg you to listen. In days filled with trouble, I search for you. And at night I tirelessly lift my hands in prayer, refusing comfort. When I think of you, I feel restless and weak. (Ps 77:1-3 CEV)
Have we ever been in so much trouble that we could not speak? Have we ever asked if God has cut us out of His eternal plan?
You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah (Ps 77:4-9 ESV)
Do we begin to doubt God’s basic unchangeable character when we go through troubles?
So I say, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions. (Ps 77:10-12 HCSB)
Do we look back on history and conclude that God’s way is holy, that He delivered His people?
God, your way is holy. What god is like our great God? God, you are the one performing awesome deeds. You reveal your might among the nations. You delivered your people—the descendants of Jacob and Joseph—with your power. Interlude (Ps 77:13-15 ISV)
Did the waters of the Exodus part, and the thunder and lightning make earth tremble?
The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. (Ps 77:16-18 KJV)
Was God’s way with Israel in the Exodus, to use Moses and Aaron to lead His people like a sheep flock?
Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, But Your footprints were not known. You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Ps 77:19-20 LSB)
As Israel escaped slavery in Egypt does our baptism picture our escape from slavery to a world of sin?
For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our fathers were all under the cloud and they all passed through the sea; and they all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea (1 Cor 10:1-2 NASB)
When we are in trouble, do we look back on God’s history with Israel and learn to trust His care? You decide!
