​ACrossCanvass

When I began to think about writing this article, a Psalm that I recently read had been swirling around in my mind for quite some time. That Psalm is written by Asaph and is none other than Psalm 77. I think that picking apart this Psalm will aid us in our walk when we begin to question God and don’t know where to turn. Well, God’s Word is the best place to look.

 

In the beginning few lines of this Psalm we see that the writer is in times of deep distress and turmoil (v. 1-6). He doesn’t say what exactly caused his stress but I think it is interesting to note what begins to happen in the following verses:

 

Starting in verse seven, the Psalmist begins to question God: “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever?

Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9 NIV). The writer questions not just God’s promises but His character. In his pain, he wonders if God has left him completely, which is funny because don’t we do the same? It is interesting to see how Asaph has gotten to this place of questioning his Maker. It all started with anguish. Isn’t that how our doubts usually come? Someone we love gets hurt or we go through the trials of life that seem to never stop knocking us down. And to add to it all, it seems God isn’t listening to us. We aren’t getting better, life still sucks and so we begin to question if God really says whom He is. Just like the Psalmist here. Pretty neat isn’t it? Humanity’s problems regarding God haven’t changed a whole lot it seems.

 

However, here is the kicker. Even though Asaph has huge doubts and questions about his God, he realizes something. “Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:10-12). Now is this pretty wise or what? Asaph has the brilliant idea that in order to combat the questions within him, he should remember who God is and what He had done for him. That blows my mind. Instead of focusing on how God is quiet now, he turns to the past of when God has helped him and has been faithful, as the source of comfort to his tormented soul. What a beautiful plot twist in such a relatable Psalm. Man God sure knew what He was doing when He inspired people to write this book. Sheesh.

 

To wrap it all up, the psalmist concludes by recounting the amazing wonders God has performed. “Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. 

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron” (Psalm 77:13-20). Our God is a powerful God; someone who loves us and cares for us enough to make a path through our own mighty waters of doubt in our lives. This is my challenge to you dear reader, that when you go through times of trial in your life, don’t forget to remember how God has always been faithful to you in your past. God bless. 

 

 

 

About the Author

Brett is currently on his way to completing his Bachelor of Religious Education Degree-Pastoral Major, to one day pastor for the Lord. He has a passion for finding truth and digging deep into the Word of God.