Day 278

Jeremiah 4:19–6:15; Colossians 1:18–2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25

IN OUR READING from Psalm 77 today, we saw Asaph in great distress as he poetically cried out to God for comfort and resolution. And we’ve likely walked through those kinds of emotional seasons in our lives as well.

As Asaph contemplated his circumstance, he grappled with six questions:

• Has the Lord rejected me forever?
• Will he never again be kind to me?
• Is his unfailing love gone forever?
• Have his promises permanently failed?
• Has God forgotten to be gracious?
• Has he slammed the door on his compassion?

Psalm 77:7-9

In one form or another, these six questions find their way into our lives —usually when we’re feeling the discomfort of crises, hardship, or suffering. We never ask these kinds of questions when things have turned out well for us.

Asaph’s initial conclusion is often our own: “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me” (Psalm 77:10).

If all of this sounds eerily familiar, then once again, the Bible is speaking. What are we to do when we feel downcast and bewildered like this? The psalmist suggests something that might seem counterintuitive or unproductive, but it is essential: We must stop and remember (Psalm 77:11-12).

Asaph suggested that focusing our energy on remembering God’s faithfulness will bring context and equilibrium. This is not unlike what the apostle Paul said about the peace that “exceeds anything we can understand” as we closed the letter to the Philippians (Philippians 4:7).

The next time those six questions find their way into your story, go back to old journals you’ve kept, or sit silently and remember times when God undoubtedly carried you through difficult waters. He will never leave you. You will not be forsaken. His faithful love endures forever.

MEDITATION:

O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people.