www.bible.com/1713/psa.77.11-12.csb
What has God done for you lately? The Psalmist is lamenting that God’s attitude toward Israel has changed. He is going through a hard time right now and He feels God has turned away from them.
But then he remembers that God was not always like this. God did great and ancient wonders for the people of Israel. For them, it was the crossing of the Red Sea when the Egyptian army was pursuing them. He remembers fondly the great stories from Israel’s last when God was gracious and faithful. The Psalmist doesn’t satisfy his question though, as if he is still writing in the midst of his sorrow before God at last lifts the burden. No.
So the question he lays before God and the same question that we lay before Him is this: have you forgotten us? His answer to his own question is this: He did not. There were times in Israel’s past when their situation seemed dire. And God redeemed them, saved them from their peril. God has been faithful.
Will you trust Him now? You are in a situation now where it seems you are in peril. If God feels far from you, what miracle can you remember in your life that reminds you that He remembers you? The caption above include a view of an opened tomb, a reminder that Jesus rose from the dead for you. He died for your sins, offered you forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. God can’t forget you. He lives in you. God can’t ignore you. He is present with you. Remember what He has done for you and whose you are. God is very jealous for His own. He will not lightly let you walk away or suffer trouble. If you are going through something right now, there is a reason for it. “Now God . . . will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.” (1 Peter 5:10) did you see that? Suffering is part of our growth. Remember that this world is not our final destination. We have much to do before He calls us home. Our journey will be fraught with peril and difficulty. But to whom will be given the greater crown? The one who called God foul every time they stubbed their toe? Or the one who persevered through many trials, depending on God to help him through?
You say the suffering is greater than I can bear. I empathize. And I’m sorry. But can I tell you that that kind of suffering was not designed for you to bear alone? God sometimes calls us to lay our burdens on Him, trust Him through the suffering, allow Him to bear the burden with you. That requires faith, and is usually what I need to work on when I feel this way. Faith that is isn’t tested isn’t faith at all.
If we trust Him, especially in the great and precious promises He has made, them can we trust Him in the ordinary day to day stuff we labor with?
I know this is long, but this is something that has been on my heart lately. I want to encourage you. If you are going through something right now please comment below so that we can pray together about it. You are not far from my thoughts dear reader.
God bless!
Meritt Musings 