In this song of praise, Asaph teaches us to refocus our thoughts on the goodness of the Lord when we are in the throes of our lowest moments. Here’s the psalm in its entirety: “I cry out to God without holding back. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I pray, with hands lifted toward heaven, pleading. There can be no joy for me until he acts. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. (Wow… the words of Asaph are so personal. You can feel the anguish in his heart. The reality of his words are so real because his experience is something we can all relate to, for we all have moaned uncontrollably for God’s help at one time or another. And for whatever reason, if God has not shown up yet in your life…I guarantee He will! Just remain faithful and be patient.)
You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and think about the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again show me favor? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be king? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? (These are all logical thoughts from Asaph; these are questions we’ve all had. The question is “Can this frame of thinking become destructive?" Is it possible that remaining in this frame of thinking may delay God’s blessings?)
And I said, “This is my fate, that the blessings of the Most High have changed to hatred.” I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of miracles and wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. You have redeemed your people by your strength, the descendants of Jacob and of Joseph by your might.
When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. The clouds poured down their rain; the thunder rolled and crackled in the sky. Your arrows of lightning flashed. Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook. Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters – a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aron as their shepherds.” (Psalm 77) (Wow! Asaph recalls this historic event and miracle of God, when the Lord parted the Red Sea. He meditates on the amazing power of the Lord. Let this be a lesson for us when we are questioning why God has not shown up in our various circumstances. Find a way to refocus your thoughts on the GOODNESS of the Lord and how He has always been there for you…and with our patience…He will be there again.)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! You have been so good to us! Help us all meditate on your wonderfulness when we are going through the fire of life. Help us remove ourselves from that frame of mind that focuses on what you are not doing to what you have always done. Help us be patient, be still, and to wait on your perfect timing. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Lan, what a ministry the Lord has called you to. You must have skipped over a few Psalms to get to this specific one for me. I cried and felt His presence in every Word spoken. Blessings on you and your family, little brother! I am so proud of you! Love!