April 9, 2011

Psalm 77 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 3:1-19, 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, Joshua 17-18

Journal Entry

Scripture

7 “Will the Lord spurn forever,
and never again be favorable?
8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
Are his promises at an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah
10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this,
to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” [2]
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
15 You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

Observation

The psalmist starts off this chapter with words of complaints and grievances towards God in his suffering (climaxed in verses 7-9), but makes a dramatic change of heart and ends with words of encouragement and hope by remembering how powerful and faithful God was to His people. This passage points out the importance of staying in His Word so that we can always “remember” what God has done to keep His promises and to take care of His own flock and be encouraged and not lose hope as we encounter various trials and difficulties of our lives.

Application

Today’s passage is greatly encouraging to me as I’m coming off of a really difficult week at work. Nothing seemed to be going right and pressure kept mounting while the problems weren’t getting resolved fast enough… I can almost identify with this psalmist in his words of despair and frustration he was going through in the beginning of this chapter. During the week, I even complained to God why He was causing all these problems to occur at work to make my job so miserable when I thought I was being obedient to Him. Then today, these verses came to me like an oasis in the desert. I had forgotten how faithful He has always been in my life! Instead, I was trying to depend more on my own abilities and other people. As He was faithful and had great power to deliver and save the Israelites time after time as the psalmist declares, He also has pulled me through in many difficult situations in the past over and over without fail. It is greatly comforting to be reminded that the One who has created the universe and controls everything in it will always be faithful and merciful in taking care of my problems and issues.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I give you praise and glory for the privilege and honor to serve you as my God. Thank you for the trials and difficulties you allow in my life to grow my dependence and faith in you. Thank you for the wonderful reminder in today’s passage that your faithfulness and grace will never leave me. Please encourage me to trust in your promises so that I can enjoy the peace and joy you offer and be able to share these wonderful gifts with others that are around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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