We can all relate to this Psalm. Asaph (the author) is in anguish, he is suffering and wondering, “where is God?” I know I have cried out to the Lord, troubled, asking, “where are you?!?” Some people choose these moments to walk away from God, claiming that He was absent during their time of need. Like verses 7 and 8 say, “will the Lord cast us off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?” These are normal, huan questions. But our reaction is so important! Some choose to walk away, but Asaph chose to remember the Lord, “I will remember the works of the Lord.” (11)
When we choose to remember all the ways the Lord has come through for us, we can find hope. He has never failed His children, even if the solution didn’t come for generations, He still prevailed. When we remember who our God is, we can be filled with hope and peace when we place our trust in Him.
But, we have to have something to remember. That’s why it is so important to read the bible. It reveals God’s character and allows us to remember Him, especially if we are in trouble. We can’t remember something we never knew to begin with. Secondly, we need to keep track of all the ways we have seen God bless us, perform miracles, and intervene in our lives and the lives of those around us. That way, we can remember our God and find hope in Him. Asaph ends the poem with many examples of God’s character and finally, “You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (20) Asaph is choosing to stay faithful to the Lord, despite his circumstances, because Asaph knows God.
It’s kind of like having an extremely trustworthy friend who is supposed to be meeting you for a very important event. Unfortunately, because they are human, they are running a little late (God is never late). But, because you know the person, you don’t doubt that they will make it. The only way you can do that is by remembering all the times before that they never let you down.
This reminds me of one more important point. The bible tells us about God and His character, and we need to be always looking for Him in the scriptures and not ourselves.
Lord, thank you for being a trustworthy God. The same yesterday, today, and forever. You have never let us down and you never will. We may go through seasons of adversity, but it is all part of Your perfect plan. I pray today that you give me peace through my troubled times and that my heart can rest in Your embrace. I pray that I might remember You and all You’ve done for me. Thank you, Lord, for being a loving and faithful Father. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Living Life with Jesus 