PSALM77: 2-4. A Psalm of Asasph
"When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the LORD. All night long I pray, with hands lifted toward heaven, pleading. There can be no joy for me until He acts. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for His help. You don't let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!"
Asaph had witnessed Solomon turn his back to God (1 Kings 11: 5-10), David’s kingdom destroyed and the Temple ruined. Asaph was in great distress at the oppression, wickedness and sorrow that surrounded him that he could not sleep! In his state of mind he focussed on his troubles and compared it to happier times, which increased his sorrow to the point where he believed God was angry and had abandoned him!
However, in the depths of his anguish, Asaph did not seek any form of diversion. Instead with unshakable faith Asaph sought the LORD earnestly and was comforted. He prayed all night with arms outstretched and meditated on the love, mercy and faithfulness of God. Joy and peace in the most adverse circumstances comes only from our gracious God in whom we must trust implicitly (1 John 5:34; John 15:33; Phil. 4:4-7).
How often at times like the Psalmist have we experienced an incredible sense of sorrow and desolation? In the dark silence of the night alone, in pain or fear and unable to sleep thinking of the good times lost and looking face on at our sorrow – sinking deeper into the mire, with each onslaught moving away from God?
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ do not despair, in your sorrow, ill health and troubles- wage war against the enemy who subtly sneaks in when we are at our lowest point. The weapons of victory are to have total trust in the promises of Christ despite what we feel or may see, rest in His righteousness. Believe that no matter what we are experiencing, God does and will see us through our darkest times. In our weakness and as we submit to Christ, He will not only strengthen us, but will also give us peace and grant our desires according to His will.
In the face of adversity we need to pray for the strengthening of our faith and to lean heavily on the LORD. As the prophet Isaiah said; “If you are walking in darkness without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God.” (Isaiah 50:10). Lean not into your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). “Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear“( 1 Tim 1: 19). Pray about everything, thank God for all He has done and bring your needs before Him (Phil. 4:4-7).
"When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the LORD. All night long I pray, with hands lifted toward heaven, pleading. There can be no joy for me until He acts. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for His help. You don't let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!"
Asaph had witnessed Solomon turn his back to God (1 Kings 11: 5-10), David’s kingdom destroyed and the Temple ruined. Asaph was in great distress at the oppression, wickedness and sorrow that surrounded him that he could not sleep! In his state of mind he focussed on his troubles and compared it to happier times, which increased his sorrow to the point where he believed God was angry and had abandoned him!
However, in the depths of his anguish, Asaph did not seek any form of diversion. Instead with unshakable faith Asaph sought the LORD earnestly and was comforted. He prayed all night with arms outstretched and meditated on the love, mercy and faithfulness of God. Joy and peace in the most adverse circumstances comes only from our gracious God in whom we must trust implicitly (1 John 5:34; John 15:33; Phil. 4:4-7).
How often at times like the Psalmist have we experienced an incredible sense of sorrow and desolation? In the dark silence of the night alone, in pain or fear and unable to sleep thinking of the good times lost and looking face on at our sorrow – sinking deeper into the mire, with each onslaught moving away from God?
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ do not despair, in your sorrow, ill health and troubles- wage war against the enemy who subtly sneaks in when we are at our lowest point. The weapons of victory are to have total trust in the promises of Christ despite what we feel or may see, rest in His righteousness. Believe that no matter what we are experiencing, God does and will see us through our darkest times. In our weakness and as we submit to Christ, He will not only strengthen us, but will also give us peace and grant our desires according to His will.
In the face of adversity we need to pray for the strengthening of our faith and to lean heavily on the LORD. As the prophet Isaiah said; “If you are walking in darkness without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God.” (Isaiah 50:10). Lean not into your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). “Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear“( 1 Tim 1: 19). Pray about everything, thank God for all He has done and bring your needs before Him (Phil. 4:4-7).
It is well to remember that God does not change – He is the same yesterday, today and forever! God is never far away nor has He abandoned us. God gave His only Son Jesus Christ that we might be redeemed. All our needs have already been met by Christ on the Cross. Moreover, we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in and through all things of God.
We have a mighty God who answers all prayers. Perhaps for our own sakes and protection it may not always be according to our desires or timing. Perhaps there are areas in one’s life that needs to be addressed. To distressed to pray? Get someone or a group to pray fervently for and with you.
What is important is to not doubt or waver but to relentlessly focus on God and not doubt (James 1: 5-6). Jesus never promised a life that is blissfully happy on the contrary we have been told that in this life we will encounter trouble. If you have not, I can assure you that you will, because God said so. But when trouble hits, we are not alone and we have been given the manifesto to walk in victory! (John 16:33).
Look past your problems and recall the mighty works of God. The stories of hardship and victory in the Bible are not just mere recollections of history. Embedded in these stories are the golden rays of light that points to God’s mighty power, control and dominion over everything!
God parted the Red Sea and brought the Israelites out of bondage into safety. As Commander in Chief (Lord of Hosts), God gave victory to an otherwise ill-equipped army, who’s only and most powerful weapon was an unshakeable trust in the LORD.
God showed His power with Gideon when he dwindled the men from thirty-two thousand to three hundred (Judges 7). Hezekiah was near death when he prayed for deliverance and God granted his request (2Kings 20). Elijah prayed down fire to demonstrate God’s power ( 1 Kings 18:36-38). Joseph who was sold into slavery and abused, yet he rose to the highest rank possible in Egypt (Gen.41: 41). These are but a few examples of God’s love and absolute power.
We have a mighty God who answers all prayers. Perhaps for our own sakes and protection it may not always be according to our desires or timing. Perhaps there are areas in one’s life that needs to be addressed. To distressed to pray? Get someone or a group to pray fervently for and with you.
What is important is to not doubt or waver but to relentlessly focus on God and not doubt (James 1: 5-6). Jesus never promised a life that is blissfully happy on the contrary we have been told that in this life we will encounter trouble. If you have not, I can assure you that you will, because God said so. But when trouble hits, we are not alone and we have been given the manifesto to walk in victory! (John 16:33).
Look past your problems and recall the mighty works of God. The stories of hardship and victory in the Bible are not just mere recollections of history. Embedded in these stories are the golden rays of light that points to God’s mighty power, control and dominion over everything!
God parted the Red Sea and brought the Israelites out of bondage into safety. As Commander in Chief (Lord of Hosts), God gave victory to an otherwise ill-equipped army, who’s only and most powerful weapon was an unshakeable trust in the LORD.
God showed His power with Gideon when he dwindled the men from thirty-two thousand to three hundred (Judges 7). Hezekiah was near death when he prayed for deliverance and God granted his request (2Kings 20). Elijah prayed down fire to demonstrate God’s power ( 1 Kings 18:36-38). Joseph who was sold into slavery and abused, yet he rose to the highest rank possible in Egypt (Gen.41: 41). These are but a few examples of God’s love and absolute power.
All of God’s promises to the Patriarchs were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus changed wine into water, healed the sick, the lame and the blind. Christ set the dysfunctional and oppressed free and raised the dead. Christ changed and is still in the business of changing the lives of many from darkness into the light of eternal life! Is your problem too big for Jesus to handle? Start moving in His strength and not your own. We are commanded to not worry but to have faith (Matt. 6:24-34)
Jesus gave His disciples power and authority to do as He did. This same power and authority has been given to you! Why then do you cast aside your glorious inheritance and instead work in your own strength? Rise up dear brothers and sisters and draw near to Almighty God and serve only Him.
The Apostle Paul endured persecutions, afflictions and abandonment, yet he faithfully served God. Paul calls us to keep a clear mind in every situation, to not be afraid of suffering and to always, in and out of season, both by word and deed to be a light in this darkened world (2Tim.3:10; 4:5).
Put your faith into action. Do not be confined to your ‘sick’ bed in mental anguish. Reach out for others and think not of your own burdens. Give those hours that you spend in front of the TV to serving those in need. Share your food and table fellowship – even a cup of water (Matt. 10:42). Don’t just be receivers but a giver. Support those in need, despite being in need - in doing so, you will please God (Heb. 13:16)
The widow at Zarepeth was down to a handful of flour yet she fed Elijah and was abundantly blessed. Pray for others – we are called to intercede. Think not of self but of others and you will be astounded as blessings, joy and peace are released into your life! (Matt. 25: 34-46; Heb. 10:35).
“May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ all that is pleasing to Him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed by His blood. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb 13:20-21)
