Today, we read Psalm 77.
We read in Psalm 77 the psalmist crying out to God. It does not read like a feel-good Psalm. If makes one sad to read about the raw cry of anguish from someone drowning in despair. (see v2).
In vv 7 to 9, it seems the psalmist had descended from despair into doubt. Cannot. How can we we doubt God? Not really. His faith in God is not blind faith. He has his feelings. He has his questions in suffering. Don’t we sometimes do the same? Don’t we sometimes wonder “why God help others but not me”? Why doesn’t he hear my prayers? The questions do not invalidate his faith. Instead, it reveals his human struggle.
In v10, we see a shift of focus from his own pain and suffering to God’s faithfulness and greatness. He started to recount God’s faithfulness, his greatness, and his holiness. Despite all he was experiencing, he remembered who God is and what God does.
What can we learn from Psalm 77? I humbly submit the following for our considerations.
- It’s okay to doubt.
Don’t pretend your struggles are nonexistent. Be real. Be honest in what we are experiencing. Don’t subscribe to those “pretend it’s not there then you are ok” self-delusions. You can share your problems with your close friends but do not lash out to them. Do bring your questions and frustrations to God. Do not direct them to others in frustrations. - Remember God’s faithfulness.
Recounting His past miracles can rekindle hope in the present. Be thankful. Count his blessings. - Focus on His character, not your circumstances.
Things changed. Circumstances change. God does not. God’s love and power are constant and consistent, even when our lives feel chaotic. - Hold onto hope, even in the darkest night.
The dawn will come, and God will be there.
“You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” v20.
This is how the psalmist concluded Psalm 77. He placed his trust on God.
What do we do when we are in distress? Do we lash out at the people around us? Do we have a default target to blame?
Psalm 77 reminds us to turn to God instead. We have many questions, but we can rest assured the answer lies with trusting God.
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